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The reliability of blood pressure (BP) measured during submaximal and maximal exercise, and confounding effects of biological sex, remain to be fully established but have implications for using exercise BP as a cardiovascular risk factor. We hypothesize that exercise BP test-retest reliability will not differ between sexes but will be higher during submaximal compared to maximal exercise. Eighty-four participants (22 ± 5 yr; 36 females) completed two maximal treadmill tests (modified Bruce protocol) separated by ≥2 days. Exercise BP was measured every 90 s using automated auscultation (Tango M2 monitor). Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake was analyzed. Test-retest reliability was assessed using two-way, mixed-effects, consistency, single-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis on the total group and separated by sex at submaximal and maximal exercise. Systolic BP during submaximal (ICC = 0.65 [0.49-0.76], P < 0.01) and maximal (ICC = 0.66 [0.52-0.77], P < 0.01) exercise both displayed substantial reliability between visits. In contrast, the SBP/MET slope showed poor submaximal (ICC = 0.12 [-0.09-0.33], P = 0.13) but substantial maximal (ICC = 0.63 [0.48-0.75], P < 0.01) exercise reliability. Females showed substantial reliability in submaximal systolic BP (ICC = 0.73 [0.53-0.85], P < 0.01) and peak systolic BP (ICC = 0.74 [0.54-0.87], P < 0.01) and SBP/MET slope (ICC = 0.78 [0.60-0.88], P < 0.01); the submaximal SBP/MET slope had fair reliability (ICC = 0.28 [-0.06-0.56], P = 0.05). Males showed moderate reliability in submaximal systolic BP (ICC = 0.53 [0.26-0.72], P < 0.01) and peak systolic BP (ICC = 0.41 [0.15-0.62], P < 0.01) and SBP/MET slope (ICC = 0.48 [0.22-0.67], P < 0.01); the submaximal SBP/MET slope had poor reliability (ICC = 0.06 [-0.18-0.31], P = 0.32). Systolic BP showed similar reliability during submaximal and maximal exercise, with females demonstrating higher reliability in exercise systolic BP compared to males. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Limited work has assessed the reliability of exercise blood pressure (BP) in young healthy males and females. Our results demonstrate that systolic BP test-retest reliability did not differ between submaximal and maximal exercise. Sex-specific analysis found that females had higher reliability in exercise systolic BP than males. Despite the acceptable average reliability, exercise BP measured using automated auscultation possesses wide confidence intervals, which impact sample size requirements in future trials.

This case report examines the therapeutic outcomes of Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) anti-cellulite treatment (ACT), circulatory optimization (CO), and metabolic optimization (MO) in an 80-year-old female with multiple chronic conditions, including morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a history of deep vein thrombosis. Each treatment protocol was administered in 18-session cycles. The patient experienced substantial improvements in edema, erythema, pain, and mobility, with a reduced reliance on analgesics. Moreover, there were significant enhancements in sleep quality, mood, mental clarity, and a 7-kg weight loss. These results suggest that REAC ACT, CO, and MO treatments effectively addressed not only localized symptoms but also contributed to broader systemic health improvements by promoting cellular homeostasis and energy production. This case highlights the potential of these REAC treatments as non-invasive and effective options for elderly patients with complex health profiles, encouraging further studies to establish standardized treatment protocols., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: S.R. and V.F. are the authors of the REAC technology patent. declare(s) a patent from Rinaldi Fontani Institute. Intellectual property info: S.R. and V.F. are the authors of the REAC technology patent. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Higino Rocha et al.)

Telocytes are CD34 + interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections (called telopodes), and have been detected in several organs, including those of the male reproductive system. In this brief review we evaluate the role of telocytes in tissue organization of the different organs of the male reproductive system in which these cells were studied. In general terms, telocytes act in the tissue organization through networks of telopodes that separate the epithelia from the stroma, as well as dividing the stroma into different compartments. In addition to this contribution to the structural integrity, there is direct and indirect evidence that such "walls" formed by telocytes also compartmentalize paracrine factors that they or other cells produce, which have a direct impact on morphogenesis and the maintenance of organ cell differentiation, as well as on their normal physiology. Moreover, alterations in telocytes and telopode networks are correlated with pathological conditions in the male reproductive system, in response to profound changes in structural organization of the organs, in inflammation, hyperplasia and cancer. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the molecular pathways telocytes employ in different contexts of physiology and disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Sanches, Rocha, Neto, Beguelini, Ciena and Carvalho.)

Telocytes (TCs) are CD34-positive interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections, called telopodes; they have been identified in several organs and in various species. These cells establish a complex communication network between different stromal and epithelial cell types, and there is growing evidence that they play a key role in physiology and pathology. In many tissues, TC network impairment has been implicated in the onset and progression of pathological conditions, which makes the study of TCs of great interest for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarise the main methods involved in the characterisation of these cells as well as their inherent difficulties and then discuss the functional assays that are used to uncover the role of TCs in normal and pathological conditions, from the most traditional to the most recent. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives in the study of TCs, especially regarding the establishment of more precise markers, commercial lineages and means for drug delivery and genetic editing that directly target TCs., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Aims: Neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) commonly experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a tool for predicting ADRs in neonates hospitalized in NICUs., Methods: A nested case-control study in an open cohort with neonates admitted to the NICU of a maternity hospital in Natal, Brazil was conducted from January 2019 to January 2022 [Correction added on 4 December 2023, after first online publication: 2023 has been changed to 2019 in the preceding sentence.]. Neonates with ADR were randomly paired with 2 controls. For the development of the tool, a multivariate logistic regression was applied on 2/3 of the sample (cases with respective controls). The model's fit was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for calibration and the Brier score for performance assessment. Validation of the tool was performed by determining the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with bootstrap adjusted c-statistics., Results: In all, 450 neonates (150 cases and 300 controls) were included in the study. We identified 5 independent risk factors for ADR, 4 related to the neonate (current mechanical ventilation, heart rate ≥178 beats/min, intravenous medications, ≥5 prescription medications) and 1 to the mother (gestational hypertension). The tool had a classification cut-off point of ≥15, and its total score ranged from 0 to 34. In validation, the tool had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.81) with sensitivity of 52.02% (95% CI 47.40-56.64) and specificity of 81.35% (95% CI 77.75-84.95)., Conclusion: The tool demonstrated adequate discriminative ability and utilized 5 commonly monitored variables in the NICU., (© 2023 British Pharmacological Society.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differential expression of plasma proteins in broiler chickens supplemented with different sources (sulfates and hydroxychlorides) and levels of copper (15 and 150 mg kg -1 ) and manganese (80 and 120 mg kg -1 ). For this, plasma samples from 40 broiler chickens were used, divided into four experimental groups: S15-80 (15 ppm CuSO 4 and 80 ppm MnSO 4 ), S150-120 (150 ppm CuSO 4 and 120 ppm MnSO 4 ), H15-80 (15 ppm Cu(OH)Cl and 80 ppm Mn(OH)Cl), and H150-120 (150 ppm Cu(OH)Cl and 120 ppm Mn(OH)Cl). From plasma samples obtained from each bird from the same treatment, four pools were made considering 10 birds per group. Plasma proteome fractionation was performed by 2D-PAGE. Concentrations of the studied minerals were also evaluated in both plasma and protein pellet samples. A higher concentration of Cu and Mn was observed in the plasma and protein pellets of groups that received higher mineral supplementation levels compared to those receiving lower levels. Mn concentrations were higher in plasma and protein pellets of the hydroxychloride-supplemented groups than the sulfate-supplemented groups. Analysis of the gels revealed a total of 40 differentially expressed spots among the four treatments. Supplementation with different sources of minerals, particularly at higher levels, resulted in changes in protein regulation, suggesting a potential imbalance in homeostasis.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by different species of the genus Leishmania, with a wide clinical spectrum. It is a public health problem aggravated by a series of limitations regarding treatment. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives, scorpion venoms are a source of multifunctional molecules that act against the natural resistance of pathogens. This work evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus venoms against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. The venoms of B. amazonicus and T. metuendus were evaluated for their constituents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Growth inhibition and death of promastigotes were evaluated in the presence of diferente crude venom concentrations (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) after one hour of incubation at 25 °C. The FTIR spectra of both venoms exhibited bands in approximate regions, revealing that both exhibit similar functional groups. Crude venom from both scorpion species showed similar or superior leishmanicidal effects to the standart drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate. At the highest concentration of 100 µg/mL, cultures of L. guyanensis treated with the venom of B. amazonicus showed the highest mortality percentages, above 28%, while T. metuendus venom showed the highest activity against L. amazonensis, with mortality above 7%. This preliminar study demonstrates that B. amazonicus and T. metuendus venoms can be important tools in the search for new drugs Against leishmaniasis. Next step involves evaluating the activity against the amastigote forms and purifying the venom proteins in order to identify the best anti-leishmania candidates.

Sexual and reproductive health interventions' effectiveness should be evaluated using a valid instrument. This study aimed to validate a questionnaire on sexual and reproductive health in adolescents and young adults from São Tomé and Príncipe who voluntarily enrolled in a vocational school in Portugal to complete their 12th school year and obtain a professional card.A questionnaire consisting of perception and knowledge sections was adapted from previous questionnaires. We followed the steps of psychometric analysis. Firstly, we assessed face validity and content validity. We used factorial analysis to validate the perceptions section (which included Likert-type questions). For the knowledge section (which consisted of multiple-choice questions), we used the key check, discrimination index, and difficulty index. We evaluated internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha for the perceptions section and the Kuder-Richardson score for the knowledge section.Out of 105 invited students, a total of ninety students were enrolled in this study, of whom 88 completed most of the questions. The exploratory analysis showed that most students agreed with the right to refuse intercourse. However, while approximately 23% disagreed that consensual sex among adult women or men is always wrong, around the same proportion agreed. A considerable number of students recognized condoms and pills as effective methods of contraception. However, most students were unfamiliar with other methods. Most knowledge questions showed acceptable difficulty levels, and the discrimination index varied among questions. The knowledge questions demonstrated good consistency levels. This study enabled us to develop an appropriate instrument for evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions and identifying specific knowledge gaps in migrant populations from low-income countries. This will help prioritise topics to be addressed in sexual health education sessions., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: Although adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are quite common in hospitalised neonates, pharmacovigilance activities in this public are still incipient. This study aims to characterise ADRs in neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), identifying causative drugs, temporal profile and associated factors., Design: Prospective observational study., Setting: NICU of a public maternity hospital in Natal/Brazil., Participants: All neonates admitted to the NICU for more than 24 hours and using at least one medication were followed up during the time of hospitalisation., Primary Outcome Measures: Incidence rate and risk factors for ADRs. The ADRs were detected by an active search in electronic medical records and analysis of spontaneous reports in the hospital pharmacovigilance system., Results: Six hundred neonates were included in the study, where 118 neonates had a total of 186 ADRs. The prevalence of ADRs at the NICU was 19.7% (95% CI 16.7% to 23.0%). The most common ADRs were tachycardia (30.6%), polyuria (9.1%) and hypokalaemia (8.6%). Tachycardia (peak incidence rate: 57.1 ADR/1000 neonates) and hyperthermia (19.1 ADR/1000 neonates) predominated during the first 5 days of hospitalisation. The incidence rate of polyuria and hypokalaemia increased markedly after the 20th day, with both reaching a peak of 120.0 ADR/1000 neonates. Longer hospitalisation time (OR 0.018, 95% CI 0.007 to 0.029; p<0.01) and number of prescribed drugs (OR 0.127, 95% CI 0.075 to 0.178; p<0.01) were factors associated with ADRs., Conclusion: ADRs are very common in NICU, with tachycardia and hyperthermia predominant in the first week of hospitalisation and polyuria and hypokalaemia from the third week onwards., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients often exhibit a dyslipidemic sub-phenotype. Paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) is a serum glycoprotein associated with the high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C), and variability in PON1 activity depends on the PON1 genotypes. We investigated the influence of PON1c.192Q > R and PON1c.55L > M polymorphisms on PON1 activity and laboratory parameters and the association between PON1 activity and clinical manifestations in SCD patients. We recruited 350 individuals, including 154 SCD patients and 196 healthy volunteers, which comprised the control group. Laboratory parameters and molecular analyses were investigated from the participants' blood samples. We have found increased PON1 activity in SCD individuals compared to the control group. In addition, carriers of the variant genotype of each polymorphism presented lower PON1 activity. SCD individuals carrying the variant genotype of PON1c.55L > M polymorphism had lower platelet and reticulocyte counts, C-reactive protein, and aspartate aminotransferase levels; in addition to higher creatinine levels. SCD individuals carrying the variant genotype of PON1c.192Q > R polymorphism had lower triglyceride, VLDL-c, and indirect bilirubin levels. Furthermore, we observed an association between PON1 activity history of stroke and splenectomy. The present study confirmed the association between PON1c.192Q > R and PON1c.55L > M polymorphisms and PON1 activity, in addition to demonstrate their effects on markers of dislipidemia, hemolysis and inflammation, in SCD individuals. Moreover, data suggest PON1 activity as a potential biomarker related to stroke and splenectomy., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Plasma-liquid interaction research has developed substantially in recent years due, mostly, to the numerous applications of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). Plasma-liquid interactions are influenced by the concentrations of the ionic species present in the liquid environment, and few studies have paid attention to saline water, which generally mediates the reactions in many plasma applications. Therefore, the present review aims to explore the main results and the influence of variables on the modification of properties of saline water by CAP sources following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The searches were carried out in the Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases, resulting in the inclusion of 37 studies. The main effects of the interaction between CAP and saline water are (i) the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS); (ii) the increase in conductivity and decrease in pH, directly proportional to the increase in discharge voltage; (iii) and the effective area of interaction and the shortest distance between electrode and solution. Other effects are the localized evaporation and crystallization of salts, which make the interaction between plasma and saline water a promising field in the development of technologies for desalination and improvement of liquid properties.

Arbovirus infections are increasingly important causes of disease, whose spectrum of neurological manifestations are not fully known. This study sought to retrospectively assess the incidence of arboviruses in cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with neurological symptoms to inform diagnosis of central and peripheral nervous system disorders. A total of 255 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from January 2016 to December 2017 were tested for dengue virus (DENV 1-4), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in addition to other neurotropic arboviruses of interest, using genetic and serologic assays. Of the 255 CSF samples analyzed, 3.53% (09/255) were positive for arboviruses presenting mainly as meningitis, encephalitis, and cerebrovascular events, of which ZIKV was detected in 2.74% (7/255), DENV in 0.78% (2/255), in addition to an identified ILHV infection that was described previously. All the cases were detected in adults aged 18 to 74 years old. Our findings highlight the scientific and clinical importance of neurological syndromes associated with arboviruses and demonstrate the relevance of specific laboratory methods to achieve accurate diagnoses as well as highlight the true dimension of these diseases to ultimately improve public health planning and medical case management.

Background: The emergence of the Brazilian variant of concern, Gamma lineage (P.1), impacted the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 cases due to its higher transmissibility rate and immune evasion ability., Methods: We sequenced 305 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genomes and performed phylogenetic analyses to identify introduction events and the circulating lineages. Additionally, we use epidemiological data of COVID-19 cases, severe cases, and deaths to measure the impact of vaccination coverage and mortality risk., Results: Here we show that Gamma introduction in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, was followed by the displacement of seven circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and a rapid increase in prevalence two months after its first detection in January 2021. Moreover, Gamma variant is associated with increased mortality risk and severity of COVID-19 cases in younger age groups, which corresponds to the unvaccinated population at the time., Conclusions: Our findings highlight the beneficial effects of vaccination indicated by a pronounced reduction of severe cases and deaths in immunized individuals, reinforcing the need for rapid and massive vaccination., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Diets for feedlot cattle must be a higher energy density, entailing high fermentable carbohydrate content. Feed additives are needed to reduce possible metabolic disorders. This study aimed to analyze the post-rumen effects of different levels of starch (25%, 35%, and 45%) and additives (monensin or a blend of essential oils and exogenous α-amylase) in diets for Nellore feedlot cattle. The cecum tissue proteome was analyzed via two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and then differentially expressed protein spots were identified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The use of blends of essential oils associated with α-amylase as a feed additive promoted the upregulation of enzymes such as triosephosphate isomerase, phosphoglycerate mutase, alpha-enolase, beta-enolase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), L-lactate dehydrogenase B, L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain, L-lactate dehydrogenase, and ATP synthase subunit beta, which promote the degradation of carbohydrates in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways and oxidative phosphorylation, support pyruvate metabolism through the synthesis of lactate from pyruvate, and participate in the electron transport chain, producing ATP from ADP in the presence of a proton gradient across the membrane. The absence of proteins related to inflammation processes (leukocyte elastase inhibitors) in the cecum tissues of animals fed essential oils and amylase may be because feed enzymes can remain active in the intestine and aid in the digestion of nutrients that escape rumen fermentation; conversely, the effect of monensin is more evident in the rumen and less than 10% results in post-ruminal action, corroborating the hypothesis that ionophore antibiotics have a limited effect on the microbiota and intestinal fermentation of ruminants. However, the increase in starch in these diets promoted a downregulation of enzymes linked to carbohydrate degradation, probably caused by damage to the cecum epithelium due to increased responses linked to inflammatory injuries., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The morphology of the neuromuscular junction adapts according to changes in its pattern of use, especially at the postsynaptic region according to the myofibrillar type and physical exercise. This investigation revealed the morphological adaptations of the postsynaptic region after static stretching, resistance training, and their association in adult male Wistar rats. We processed the soleus and plantaris muscles for histochemical (muscle fibers) and postsynaptic region imaging techniques. We observed muscle hypertrophy in both groups submitted to resistance training, even though the cross-section area is larger when there is no previous static stretching. The soleus postsynaptic region revealed higher compactness and fragmentation index in the combined exercise. The resistance training promoted higher adaptations in the postsynaptic area of plantaris; moreover, the previous static stretching decreased this area. In conclusion, the neuromuscular system's components responded according to the myofiber type even though it is the same physical exercise. Besides, static stretching (isolated or combined) plays a crucial role in neuromuscular adaptations.

Over the last few decades, several emerging or reemerging viral diseases with no readily available vaccines have ravaged the world. A platform to fastly generate vaccines inducing potent and durable neutralizing antibody and T cell responses is sorely needed. Bioinformatically identified epitope-based vaccines can focus on immunodominant T cell epitopes and induce more potent immune responses than a whole antigen vaccine and may be deployed more rapidly and less costly than whole-gene vaccines. Increasing evidence has shown the importance of the CD4+ T cell response in protection against HIV and other viral infections. The previously described DNA vaccine HIVBr18 encodes 18 conserved, promiscuous epitopes binding to multiple HLA-DR-binding HIV epitopes amply recognized by HIV-1-infected patients. HIVBr18 elicited broad, polyfunctional, and durable CD4 + and CD8+ T cell responses in BALB/c and mice transgenic to HLA class II alleles, showing cross-species promiscuity. To fully delineate the promiscuity of the HLA class II vaccine epitopes, we assessed their binding to 34 human class II (HLA-DR, DQ, and -DP) molecules, and immunized nonhuman primates. Results ascertained redundant 100% coverage of the human population for multiple peptides. We then immunized Rhesus macaques with HIVBr18 under in vivo electroporation. The immunization induced strong, predominantly polyfunctional CD4+ T cell responses in all animals to 13 out of the 18 epitopes; T cells from each animal recognized 7-11 epitopes. Our results provide a preliminary proof of concept that immunization with a vaccine encoding epitopes with high and redundant coverage of the human population can elicit potent T cell responses to multiple epitopes, across species and MHC barriers. This approach may facilitate the rapid deployment of immunogens eliciting cellular immunity against emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate different energy sources in multiple supplements on performance, intake, and digestibility of Santa Ines sheep grazing urochloa grass (Urochloa mosambicensis) during the rainy season. The experimental area was divided into seven paddocks of 4 ha each, with an average of dry matter (DM) availability of 3.21 tn/ha. A completely randomized design was carried out, in which there were four treatments, and each treatment was repeated six times. Twenty-four intact lambs (average: 32.0 kg of body weight) were supplemented with a mineral mixture, the control group (MM), mesquite pod meal (MPM), wheat bran (WB), or sorghum grain (SG) as energy sources. The digestibility of DM and crude protein (CP) in MPM and WB is higher than that in MM and SG groups. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was similar between supplemented lambs, and it was higher than the MM. The supplementation promoted higher weight gain than in the control group (0.126 vs. 0.061 g/day, respectively; P < 0.001). The supplementation increased the DM, and CP intake. The NDF intake only increased in the WB group. The CP digestibility was higher for the MPM and WB groups than that for MM and SG ones (P < 0.001). Sheep supplementation in the rainy season increased the average daily gain (ADG). Any supplement tested in the present study can be used during the rainy season. The choice for the supplement will depend on the availability and costs of the mesquite pod meal, sorghum grain, or wheat bran., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Shark skin is predominantly specialized for swimming and protection, with the dermal denticle being the main structure associated with these abilities. The dermal denticle is a mineral structure with a unique morphology for each species, which allows its use as a taxonomic tool. Few studies have investigated the microscopy aspects of skin and dermal denticles, considering the high diversity of sharks. Here, we investigated the three-dimensional morphoquantitative aspects and mineral composition of dermal denticles in different regions of the angular angel shark, Squatina guggenheim, using scanning electron microscopy and dispersive energy system. With the microscopy, we were able to observe that the dermal denticle morphology changes according to the area it is located. It was possible to describe the dermal denticles individually, from root to the crown, highlighting all of their individualities. Through the dispersive energy system, we showed the proportions of each mineral found in the denticle, by area, demonstrating the composition and the particularities of crown, body, and root, where whitlockite was described for the first time in elasmobranchs. In this way, the present study presented the specificities of the dermal denticles of S. guggenheim, as well sought to understand the different structure functions for the animal, thus assisting future research in animal morphology., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Strawberry quality is one of the most important factors that guarantees consistent commercialization of the fruit and ensures the consumer's satisfaction. This work makes innovative use of random forest (RF) to predict sensory measures of strawberries using physical and physical-chemical variables. Furthermore, it also employs these same physical and physical-chemical variables to classify strawberries in the classes "satisfied" or "not satisfied" and "would pay more" or "wouldn't pay more. The RF-based model predicts the acceptance, expectation, ideal of sweetness, ideal of acidity, and the ideal of succulence based on the physical and physical-chemical data. Then, the predicted parameters are used as input for the RF-based classification model., Results: The RF achieved a coefficient of determination R 2  > 0.72 and a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) smaller than 0.17 for the prediction task, which indicates that one can estimate the sensory measures of strawberries using physical and physical-chemical data. Furthermore, the RF was able to classify 87.95% of the strawberry samples correctly into the classes 'satisfied' and 'not satisfied' and 78.99% in the classes 'would pay more' or 'would not pay more'. A two-step RF model, which employed both physical and physical-chemical data to classify strawberry samples regarding the consumer's response also correctly classified 100% and 90.32% of the samples with respect to consumers' satisfaction and their willingness to pay more, respectively., Conclusion: The results indicate that the developed models can be used in the quality control of strawberries, supporting the establishment of quality standards that consider the consumer's response. The proposed methodology can be extended to control the sensory quality of other fruits. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the interface between muscle and tendon, and it is the main area of force transmission of the locomotor apparatus. Dystrophic processes promote pathological injury which affects the skeletal muscle and can influence the morphology of the MTJ. This study aimed to investigate the adaptations in MTJ morphology of mdx mice in the tibialis anterior muscle. Male mice (n = 24) were divided into Control—C57bl/10 and mdx—C57bl/10mdx (Duchenne muscular dystrophy experimental model). In the mdx group, centralized nuclei with a large area and greater deposition of type III collagen (fibrosis) were observed. Also, shorter sarcomeres and sarcoplasmatic projections of MTJ were observed. We concluded that the adaptations in mdx mice demonstrated extensive impairment in the MTJ region with reduced ultrastructures.

The vertical ladder-based protocols contribute to the NMJ junction's adaptations, and when combined with and without load, can be potentiated. The present study aimed to investigate postsynaptic regions of the biceps brachii muscle in adult male Wistar rats submitted to different vertical ladder-based protocols (Sedentary - S; Climbing - C; Climbing with Load - LC and Combined Climbing - CC). The protocols (C, LC, CC) were performed in 24 sessions, 3 x/week, for 8 weeks. The myofibrillar ATPase analysis showed an increase in cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscle fibers Type I in all trained Groups; Type II in C and LC and reduction in CC; Type IIx higher in all trained Groups. In the postsynaptic cleft, the stained area presents smaller in Groups C, LC, and CC; the total area showed smaller than LC and higher in C and CC. The stained and total perimeter, and dispersion showed a reduction in C, LC, and CC, higher maximum diameter in Groups C and CC, and decreased in LC. Regarding the postsynaptic cleft distribution, the stained area presented a decrease in all trained Groups. The integrated density presented higher principally in CC. The NMJ count showed an increase in all trained Groups. We concluded that the vertical ladder-based protocols combined contributed to the postsynaptic region adaptations.

The morphology of the oral cavity of mammals relates to diet, habitat, and function. The palate is an important region with adaptations for oral somatosensation and mechanical loads due to the pressure of the tongue with food. The research aimed to describe the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the epithelium and the connective tissue cores of the guinea pig palate using macroscopic, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The hard palate had conical and filiform papillae, and the soft palate had open salivary ducts. After the removal of the epithelium, the connective tissue cores revealed thin filaments and laminar projections in the hard palate, and opening ducts were evidenced in the soft palate. The palatine epithelium was keratinized and organized by layers, lamellated corpuscles were found in lamina propria of the hard palate. In contrast, the soft palate had glands clusters associated with nerve fibers, and in both regions were identified telocytes. We concluded that the hard palate presented conical and filiform papillae that differ from other mammals. Besides, it is a new description of the connective tissue cores morphology and the first record of the telocytes in this anatomical region for mammals., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Static stretching provides benefits to the range of motion, modulates intramuscular connective tissue, and is incorporated into warm-up exercises. In this study, we present the effects in the motor endplate and belly muscle resulting from previous static stretching to climbing training. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 each): Sedentary (Sed), Climbing (Clb), Static stretching (Ss), and Static stretching prior to climbing (Ssc). The animals (Clb, Ss, and Ssc groups) were subjected to a training protocol 3×/week for 8 weeks, and the Ssc group was subjected to the Ss and Clb protocols in the same session. Samples from the animals were processed for immunostaining, histochemistry, and light microscopy. The Clb group presented a higher motor endplate; the Ss group presented no changes in the motor endplate; and the Ssc group demonstrated a higher compactness. We concluded that static stretching prior to the climbing protocol maintained the density of the motor endplate and increased the compactness of the neuromuscular junction structure. Also, there was a reduction in the myofibers’ diameter (Type I and IIa), an increase in myofibrillar densities (Type I and IIx, and total), and the reorganization of the myonuclei and the interstitium.

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the muscle-tendon interface and constitutes an integrated mechanical unit to force transmission. Joint immobilization promotes muscle atrophy via disuse, while physical exercise can be used as an adaptative stimulus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the components of the MTJ and their adaptations and the associated elements triggered with aquatic training after joint immobilization. Forty-four male Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (SD), aquatic training (AT), immobilization (IM), and immobilization/aquatic training (IMAT) groups. The samples were processed to measure fiber area, nuclear fractal dimension, MTJ nuclear density, identification of telocytes, sarcomeres, and MTJ perimeter length. In the AT group, the maintenance of ultrastructure and elements in the MTJ region were observed; the IM group presented muscle atrophy effects with reduced MTJ perimeter; the IMAT group demonstrated that aquatic training after joint immobilization promotes benefits in the muscle fiber area and fractal dimension, in the MTJ region shows longer sarcomeres and MTJ perimeter. We identified the presence of telocytes in the MTJ region in all experimental groups. We concluded that aquatic training is an effective rehabilitation method after joint immobilization due to reduced muscle atrophy and regeneration effects on MTJ in rats.

Streptococcus pyogenes infections continue to be a worldwide public health problem, causing various diseases in humans, with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease being the most harmful manifestations. Impetigo and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis are also important sequelae of skin infections. We have developed a candidate vaccine epitope (StreptInCor) that presents promising results in diverse animal models. To assess whether the StreptInCor alum-adsorbed vaccine could induce undesirable effects, a certified independent company conducted a repeated intramuscular dose toxicity evaluation in Wistar rats, a choice model for toxicity studies. We did not observe significant alterations in clinical, hematological, biochemical, anatomical, or histopathological parameters due to vaccine administration, even when the animals received the highest dose. In conclusion, repeated intramuscular doses did not show signs of macroscopic or other significant changes in the clinical or histopathological parameters, indicating that StreptInCor can be considered a safe candidate vaccine., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 de Sá-Rocha, Demarchi, Postol, Sampaio, de Alencar, Kalil and Guilherme.)

Dental classification of carcasses is used as a parameter of cattle maturity at slaughter, and it can influence carcass and meat quality traits. Brazilian beef-packing companies use the number of permanent incisor (PI) teeth as a parameter for bonus and certification of carcasses with superior quality. However, when non-castrated male such as F1 Angus-Nellore ( Bos taurus × Bos indicus ) are slaughtered, only animals without PI teeth are subsidized by the breed association. We evaluated these animals finished in feedlot for 180 days with zero versus two PI teeth on the carcass and meat quality traits. At the time of slaughter, 88 carcasses were selected, forming two treatments according to dental carcass maturity (0 versus 2 PI teeth; 44 animals per category). It was demonstrated that the number of PI teeth (0 versus 2 PI) did not influence (p>0.05) carcass (weights, yield, cooling loss, ribeye area and the backfat thickness) and meat quality traits ( Longissimus thoracis chemical composition, color, cooking losses, shear force and pH). Thus, dental carcass maturity (zero versus two PI teeth) does not influence non-castrated male F1 Angus-Nellore finished in feedlot for 180 days. This is the first study to demonstrate that carcasses of non-castrated male F1 Angus-Nellore with two PI teeth should be subsidized in a similar way to those with zero PI teeth. Moreover, Brazilian beef-packing companies could produce heavier and leaner carcasses of acceptable quality though the use of crossbred cattle such as non-castrated F1 Angus Nellore., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest., (© Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources.)

The palate is a fundamental region in food swallowing and presents different adaptations in species. This research aimed to describe structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the palatine epithelium and the connective tissue cores (CTCs) of ten red-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina—Linnaeus, 1758) using macroscopic, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We found nine palatine ridges in the diastema and hard palate, and a smooth surface in the soft palate. Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium with projections of lamina propria and soft palate had gland clusters. Epithelial removal revealed CTCs with a conical shape with high density in the hard palate and the sides of the soft palate. Near the CTCs were nerve fibers in the hard palate, and the soft palate had muscular tissue below the gland clusters. The structural and ultrastructural characteristics enable stability of the hard palate and fixation to the soft palate sides, while the soft palate center has greater mobility thus assisting in food swallowing. We concluded that structural characteristics are similar to other mammals, although the morphology of agouti's palate differs in the amount and disposition of palatine ridges, and the conical CTC's morphology.

Obesity is characterized by excess adipose tissue and chronic inflammation and promotes extensive changes that can compromise skeletal muscles’ structural and functional integrity. Obesity can seriously impact the force transmission region between the muscle and the tendon, the myotendinous junction (MTJ). The present study aimed to investigate the plasticity of muscle fibers and MTJ regions in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rat tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SO) muscles. Wistar rats were divided into control and obese groups (induced by a high-fat diet). The samples of TA and SO muscles were prepared for histochemical and ultrastructural analysis (sarcomeres and MTJ projection). In the muscle fiber, similar adaptations were observed between the muscles of the smaller fiber (types I and IIa) in the obesity results. The MTJ region demonstrated different adaptations between the analyzed muscles. The TA–MTJ region has shorter ultrastructures, while in the SO–MTJ region, the ultrastructures were larger. We conclude that obesity induced by a high-fat diet promotes similar adaptation in the muscle fibers; however, in the MTJ region, the sarcoplasmatic projections and adjacent sarcomere demonstrate different adaptations according to distinct muscle phenotypes.

The effect of the flavor enhancers monoammonium glutamate (MAG), monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium guanylate (GMP), and disodium inosinate (IMP) on intensifying salty taste in food matrices (shoestring potatoes, requeijão cheese, and beef burgers) with a reduction in the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) present was evaluated. Experiments were conducted using a central composite rotational design with two variables: the concentrations of flavor enhancer and NaCl added in the food matrix. The effect of IMP was not significant (P > 0.05) on the intensity of salty taste in any of the matrices analyzed. GMP presented lower performance compared to MAG and MSG in intensifying the salty taste of the treatments, regardless of the reduction of NaCl. Compared to MSG and GMP, MAG showed greater efficiency in intensifying the salty taste in requeijão cheese and beef burger with a reduction of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of NaCl. MSG presented higher efficiency compared to MAG and GMP when applied in shoestring potatoes for all reductions of NaCl tested (25%, 50%, and 75%). The ability of flavor enhancers to improve the salty taste depends on the effect of the flavor enhancer, the complexity of the food matrix, and the reduction of NaCl in foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The complexity of the food matrix plays a significant role in the perception of salty taste in sodium-reduced products. In these products, sodium reduction may affect the taste enhancer's effect of enhancing salty taste. Therefore, this study broadens the knowledge of the effects of flavor enhancers on different foods, as well as the ability to enhance salty taste in food matrices with NaCl reduction. Moreover, it provides information on how to reduce the sodium content in these matrices while maintaining the same perception of salty taste as a conventional matrix., (© 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

This trial aimed to analyze the effects of including three byproducts from the biodiesel industry on the intake, digestibility, milk yield and composition, and feeding behavior of lactating cows. Eight crossbred Holstein-Zebu lactating cows with average body weight 525 ± 18.5 kg and average milk yield of 8 ± 1.45 kg day -1 were assigned to four treatments (diets) in a double-Latin square design, as follows: a diet based on corn- and soybean meal-based concentrate and three diets with 20% inclusion of byproducts from the biodiesel industry (cottonseed cake, sunflower meal, and castor bean cake) on a total dry matter basis. The cows were housed in individual covered stalls with concrete floor equipped with individual concrete troughs for feeding and automatic drinkers, and fed diets containing 60% sugarcane and 40% concentrate. The inclusion of the byproducts in the diet changed the intake, digestibility of some nutritional components, milk yield and composition, and feeding behavior of lactating cows. The use of cottonseed cake and sunflower meal in the diet increased milk yield, and fat-corrected milk yield; while the use of castor bean cake reduced the intake, digestibility of dry matter and total digestible nutrients, milk yield, and fat-corrected milk yield. The inclusion of byproducts from the biodiesel industry in the diets did not change the fat, lactose, total solids, and solids-not-fat of milk. Therefore, the cottonseed cake and sunflower meal can be included at up to 20% of the total diet.

Joint immobilization is commonly used as a conservative treatment for osteoarticular and musculotendinous traumas. However, joint immobilization might elicit degenerative effects on the neuromuscular system and muscle atrophy. For this reason, the choice of strategies that mitigate these effects is essential in the post-immobilization period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of aquatic training on the morphology of muscle fibers and motor endplates of the gastrocnemius muscle in the post-immobilization period. Male Wistar rats (90 days old) were divided into groups: Sedentary: no procedure; Immobilization: joint immobilization protocol (10 days); Immobilization/non-training: joint immobilization protocol (10 days) followed by four weeks without exercise intervention; Immobilization/training: joint immobilization protocol (10 days) and post-immobilization aquatic training (4 weeks). After the procedures, we quantified the cross-sectional area (CSA), volume and numerical density of different myofibers types, and total and stained area and perimeter of the motor endplate. We demonstrate the following main results: (a) short-term joint immobilization resulted in myofibers atrophy; however, we verified a small change in the postsynaptic component; (b) the period of inactivity after immobilization caused severe changes in the motor endplate (lower stained area, stained perimeter, total area, and total perimeter) and maintenance of muscle atrophy due to immobilization; (c) the prescription of post-immobilization exercise proved to be effective in restoring muscle morphology and inducing plasticity in the motor endplate. We conclude that short-term joint immobilization (10 days) results in atrophy type I and II myofibers, in addition to a decline in the total perimeter of the motor endplate. Besides, the post-immobilization period appears to be decisive in muscle and postsynaptic remodeling. Thus, aquatic training is effective in stimulating adjustments associated with muscle hypertrophy and plasticity of the motor endplate during the post-immobilization period.

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) present both chronic and acute inflammatory events. The TGF- β pathway is known to play a role in immune response, angiogenesis, inflammation, hematopoiesis, vascular inflammation, and cell proliferation. Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor 3 ( TGFBR3 ) gene have been linked to several inflammatory diseases. This study investigated associations between two TGFBR3 haplotypes and classical laboratory parameters, as well as clinical manifestations, in SCD. We found that individuals with the GG haplotype presented higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, total proteins, and globulin than individuals with non-GG haplotypes. In addition, the GG haplotype was associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Individuals with the CGG haplotype presented increased plateletcrit, TC, LDL-C levels, and non-HDL cholesterol. The CCG haplotype was also associated with a previous history of pneumonia. Our findings suggest that individuals with the GG and CGG haplotypes of TGFBR3 present important alterations in lipid profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Rayra P. Santiago et al.)

The myofibrillary types establish to the skeletal muscle functional and adaptive properties that influence the sarcomeric arrangement during muscle contraction and may have repercussions on an important related force transmission region of the locomotor apparatus, the myotendinous junction (MTJ). This study aimed to describe changes in myofibrillary type and sarcomeric lengths in the belly muscle and MTJ of the soleus and plantaris muscles associated with training protocols in vertical ladder. Thirty adults male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 10): Control (CTR), No-load Training (NLT), and Load Training (LT). Morphoquantitative analysis of different fibers types and sarcomere lengths were performed in distinct regions of plantaris and soleus muscles. In the plantaris muscle with both trainings, there was an increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) in Type I and II fibers (p < .0001) while sarcomeric lengths revealed greater lengths in the proximal and distal sarcomeres of NLT, although in the LT we found greater lengths in the belly and MTJ sarcomeres. The soleus muscle showed an increase in CSA muscle fiber only in the NLT (p < .0001) and revealed alterations in belly and MTJ sarcomere lengths with training. We concluded that plantaris muscle has an adaptive effect directly associated with training load, with hypertrophy in both trainings and sarcomere length inverse from belly and MTJ, in LT associated with increased force generation and transmission at the MTJ, although soleus muscle has a lower adaptive response to training stimuli with variation in the belly and distal sarcomere of the MTJ., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) present chronic anemia, hemolysis, an exacerbated inflammatory response, and heterogeneous clinical complications, which may be modulated by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β ) pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate polymorphisms ( rs1805110 and rs7526590 ) of the transforming growth factor beta receptor III gene ( TGFBR3 ) with regard to laboratory biomarkers and clinical manifestations in individuals with SCA. Hematological, biochemical, immunological, and genetic analyses were carried out, as well as serum endothelin-1 measurements. The minor allele (A) of the TGFBR3 rs1805110 polymorphism was associated with increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte counts, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, and endothelin levels, as well as decreased platelet distribution width (PDW) and the occurrence of bone alterations. The minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 was associated with increased red cell distribution width, PDW, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and indirect bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, as well as lower ferritin levels and the occurrence of leg ulcers. Our data suggest that the minor allele (A) of TGFBR3 rs1805110 is associated with inflammation and bone alterations, while the minor allele (T) of TGFBR3 rs7526590 is related to hemolysis and the occurrence of leg ulcers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Rayra Pereira Santiago et al.)

Differences in hydroxyurea response in sickle cell anemia may arise due to a series of factors with genetic factors appearing to be predominant. This study aims to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes and solute carriers on hydroxyurea response, in patients with sickle cell anemia. For that purpose, a total number of 90 patients with sickle cell anemia were recruited, 45 were undergoing hydroxyurea treatment, while 45 were not under the treatment. Association analyses were performed between CYP3A4 (rs2740574), CYP2D6 (rs3892097), CAT (rs7943316 and rs1001179), and SLC14A1 (rs2298720) variants and laboratory parameters. According to our findings, patients with hydroxyurea treatment demonstrated higher HbF levels and a significant improvement in hemolytic, hepatic, inflammatory, and lipid parameters in comparison to those without the treatment. We also found significant associations between the CYP2D6 (rs3892097), CAT (rs7943316 and rs1001179), and SLC14A1 (rs2298720) variants and an improvement of the therapeutic effects, specifically the hemolytic, hepatic, inflammatory, lipid, and renal parameters. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of the investigated variants, and their strong association with hydroxyurea efficacy in patients with sickle cell anemia, which may be considered in the future as genetic markers., (Copyright © 2020 Yahouédéhou, Neres, da Guarda, Carvalho, Santiago, Figueiredo, Fiuza, Ndidi, de Oliveira, Fonseca, Nascimento, Rocha, Adanho, da Rocha, Adorno and Goncalves.)

The present study shows chronic adjustments in the myotendinous junction (MTJ) in response to different ladder-based resistance training (LRT) protocols. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups: sedentary (S), calisthenics (LRT without additional load [C]), and resistance-trained (LRT with extra weight [R]). We demonstrated longer lengths of sarcoplasmatic invaginations in the trained groups; however, evaginations were seen mainly in group R. We showed a greater thickness of sarcoplasmatic invaginations in groups C and R, in addition to greater evaginations in R. We also observed thinner basal lamina in trained groups. The support collagen layer (SCL) adjacent to the MTJ and the diameters of the transverse fibrils were larger in R. We also discovered a niche of telocytes in the MTJ with electron micrographs of the plantar muscle and with immunostaining with CD34+ in the gastrocnemius muscle near the blood vessels and pericytes. We concluded that the continuous adjustments in the MTJ ultrastructure were the result of tissue plasticity induced by LRT, which is causally related to muscle hypertrophy and, consequently, to the remodeling of the contact interface. Also, we reveal the existence of a collagen layer adjacent to MTJ and discover a new micro anatomic location of telocytes.

Introduction: Clinical complications in sickle cell anemia (SCA) are heterogeneous and involve several molecules. It has been suggested that SCA individuals present a dyslipidemic phenotype and that lipid parameters are associated with severe clinical complications, such as pulmonary hypertension. We sought to investigate associations between lipid parameters and clinical manifestations, as well as other laboratory parameters in a population of pediatric SCA patients., Methods: Our cross-sectional evaluation included 126 SCA patients in steady state and who were not undergoing lipid-lowering therapy. Hematological and biochemical parameters were characterized, and previous clinical manifestations were investigated., Results: Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were increased in patients with a previous history of pneumonia, which also positively correlated with HbS levels. Decreased LDL-C levels were also associated with leg ulcers and anemia. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were associated with pain crises, increased viscosity, and decreased hemolysis. Several studies have determined that lipids play a role in the vascular impairment seen in SCA, which was corroborated by our findings., Conclusions: In sum, our results suggest that total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels are associated with hemolysis and anemia markers and, most importantly, with clinical complications related to vasculopathy in SCA., Competing Interests: The authors have not received any funding or benefits from industry companies or otherwise to conduct this study., (Copyright © 2020 Caroline Conceição da Guarda et al.)

Fish is an important source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, this food is also a major source of human exposure to toxic contaminants such as mercury. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluate mercury-binding proteins for possible application as biomarkers of mercury contamination in hepatic and renal tissues of Plagioscion squamosissimus (carnivorous fish) and Colossoma macropomum (omnivorous fish) from the Amazon region using metalloproteomic approach. The proteome of hepatic and renal tissues of fish species was separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), and the mercury concentrations in protein spots were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Finally, the protein spots associated to mercury were characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were also determined. The results showed that the highest concentrations of mercury were found in the carnivorous species (P. squamosissimus) and that the accumulation pattern of this metal was higher in hepatic tissues than in renal tissues for both species. A tendency was observed for greater enzymatic activity in the hepatic and renal tissues of P. squamosissimus, the species with the highest concentration of mercury. Only GPx activity in the kidney and GST in the liver were lower for the P. squamosissimus species, and this finding can be explained by the interaction of mercury with these enzymes. The data obtained by ESI-MS/MS allowed for the characterization of the protein spots associated to mercury, revealing proteins involved in energy metabolism, biomolecules transport, protein synthesis and degradation, cell differentiation, gene regulation, and the antioxidant system. The results obtained in the present study can contribute to understanding the physiological processes underlying mercury toxicity and have provided new perspectives on possible candidates for mercury contamination biomarkers in fish., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Sickle cell disease (SCD) consists of a group of hemoglobinopathies in which individuals present highly variable clinical manifestations. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most severe form, while SC hemoglobinopathy (HbSC) is thought to be milder. Thus, we investigated the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters by comparing each SCD genotype. We designed a cross-sectional study including 126 SCA individuals and 55 HbSC individuals in steady-state. Hematological, biochemical and inflammatory characterization was performed as well as investigation of previous history of clinical events. SCA patients exhibited most prominent anemia, hemolysis, leukocytosis and inflammation, whereas HbSC patients had increased lipid determinations. The main cause of hospitalization was pain crises on both genotypes. Vaso-occlusive events and pain crises were associated with hematological, inflammatory and anemia biomarkers on both groups. Cluster analysis reveals hematological, inflammatory, hemolytic, endothelial dysfunction and anemia biomarkers in HbSC disease as well as SCA. The results found herein corroborate with previous studies suggesting that SCA and HbSC, although may be similar from the genetic point of view, exhibit different clinical manifestations and laboratory alterations which are useful to monitor the clinical course of each genotype., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Festuca L. has more than 600 perennial species described, which makes it the largest genus within the family Poaceae. In Brazil, only two native species of Festuca have been described, for which cytogenetic studies need to be strengthened: Festuca ulochaeta and Festuca fimbriata. The aim of this study was to characterize the karyotypes of F. ulochaeta and F. fimbriata based on the mapping of rDNA sites. The FISH was performed with 35S and 5S rDNA probes. Both species have 42 chromosomes, of which 36 were metacentric and six were submetacentric. Festuca fimbriata has two pairs of 35S rDNA sites, one located on the metacentric pair 4, in an interstitial position, and one at the submetacentric pair 14 in the proximal position. Festuca ulochaeta has one pair of 35S rDNA in interstitial-proximal position in the metacentric pair 3. Both species showed 5S rDNA sites only on chromosome pair 21 in the terminal position of the short arm. The analysis of the chromosomal characteristics indicates that these species have a symmetrical karyotype and allopolyploid origin.

The genus Urochloa includes most of the important grasses and hybrids currently used as pastures in the tropical regions. Cytogenetic analyzes have identified some aneuploid hybrids that provide new perspectives for genetic breeding. The objective was to analyze the meiotic behavior in euploid (2n = 4x = 36) and aneuploid (2n = 4x = 36 + 2) hybrids of U. ruziziensis x U. decumbens and U. ruziziensis x U. brizantha. Later, the chromosomes and respective genomes involved in pairing configurations and abnormalities were identified through GISH, with an emphasis on tracking the behavior of the additional chromosomes in the aneuploid hybrid U. ruziziensis x U. decumbens (B 1 B 2 B 2 B 2 genomes). The aneuploid U. ruziziensis x U. decumbens shows a higher frequency of univalents, reduction of bivalents, and higher index of irregularities compared with the euploid hybrid. For the aneuploid U. ruziziensis x U. brizantha, there was a reduction in the frequency of univalents, an increase in bivalent and trivalent rates and a lower frequency of abnormalities when compared with the euploid hybrid. The rates of meiotic abnormalities and pairing configurations are parental genotype-dependent and influenced by trisomy. The chromosomes of the B 1 and B 2 genomes of the aneuploid hybrid (U. ruziziensis x U. decumbens) are involved in the formation of univalents, bivalents, and multivalents in inter-, intra- and inter-intragenomic pairings. In general, the segregation times of chromosomes of the genomes are different, since the chromosomes of the B 1 genome segregate more slowly.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies are reported to affect around 3.5% of children and 2.4% of adults, with symptoms varying in range and severity. While being the gold standard for diagnosis, oral food challenges are burdensome, and diagnostic tools based on specific IgE can be flawed. Furthering our understanding of the mechanisms behind food allergy onset, severity and persistence could help reveal immune profiles associated with the disease, to ultimately aid in diagnosis. Alterations to cytokine levels and immune cell ratios have been identified, though further research is needed to fully capture the heterogenous nature of food allergy. Moreover, the existence of such immune alterations also raises the question of potential wider systemic effects. For example, recent research has emphasised the existence and impact of neuro-immune interactions and implicated behavioural and neurological changes associated with food allergy. This review will provide an overview of such food allergy-driven neuro-immune interactions, with the aim of emphasising the importance of furthering our understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying IgE-mediated food allergy., (© 2024 The Author(s). Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of increasing levels of licuri meal as a substitute for soybean bran in the diet of pasture-based dairy cows and its effects on the intake, nutrient digestibility, and milk production and composition. Eight crossbred Holstein/Zebu cows were used in two 4 × 4 Latin square plots. The diets contained increasing percentage of licuri meal (0.0, 4.16, 7.09, and 9.45%) in the total diet, replacing soybean bran. The inclusion of licuri meal in the diet affected total dry matter intake and dry matter intake in relation to body weight, which presented a quadratic effect. The same behavior was observed for the consumption of EE, CP, TDN, and NDFap. The NFC consumption showed a linear decrease with the addition of the by-product in the diet. There was no influence of the inclusion of the licuri meal on the digestibility of the DM, CP, NFC, and TDN, while the digestibility of the NDFap and EE presented increasing linear effect. There was a reduction of milk production and food efficiency with the inclusion of increasing levels of the meal. The fat content in milk showed a linear increasing effect. Ditto for cholesterol. It is recommended to include not more than 7.00% of licuri meal for lactating cows with an average production of 20 kg day -1 .

The aim of this study was to describe the structural and ultrastructural aspects of the myotendinous junction (MTJ) and the proximal and distal sarcomeres of the sternomastoid of aged Wistar rats subjected to an experimental model of menopause and swimming training. A total of 20 female elderly rats were divided into the following four groups (n=5 in each group): sedentary/no-menopausal (SNM), trained/no-menopausal (TNM), sedentary/menopausal (SM), and trained/menopausal (TM). The MTJ samples were dissected and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. We showed that the TNM Group rats exhibited changes in morphological characteristics as a consequence of physical exercise, which included an increase of 36.60% (P<0.001) in the evagination length of the MTJ and a reduction in the length of the distal (77.38%) (P<0.0001) and proximal (68.15%) (P<0.0001) sarcomeres. The SM Group exhibited a reduction of about 275.93% (P<0.001) in the muscle-tendon interface and in the lengths of distal sarcomeres (55.87%) (P<0.0001) compared with SNM Group. Our results suggest that the swimming training under experimental model of menopause promoted tissue reorganization and increased muscle-tendon interaction with a drastic development in the length and thickness of the sarcoplasmatic invaginations and evaginations. In addition, the sarcomeres exhibited different lengths and a reduction in both groups subjected to swimming training.

This study investigated the effects of hydroxyurea (HU) on hematological, biochemical and inflammatory parameters in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in association with βS haplotype and α-thalassemia. We included 22 children with SCA who were followed for an average of 14.5 months. Laboratory parameters were assessed by electronic methods, and molecular analysis was investigated by PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. Results showed significant increases in hemoglobin, HbF, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, glucose, HDL-C and albumin levels, as well as significant decreases in MCHC and AST levels, WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and reticulocytes, in children during HU therapy. HbF levels were positively correlated with hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and total protein, yet negatively correlated with MCHC, RDW, AAT and AST during HU therapy (p<0.05). Children who carried the Central African Republic haplotype, in response to HU therapy, presented significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, triglycerides and uric acid levels, as well as significant decreases in MCHC, AST and direct bilirubin levels, WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and reticulocytes. Those with the Benin haplotype presented increases in HbF and albumin levels, and a reduction in platelet counts (p<0.05). Children with α-thalassemia presented decreased ALT during HU use, while those without this deletion presented increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, HDL-C and albumin, as well as decreases in MCHC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, reticulocytes and AST (p<0.05). Hence, regardless of its use in association with βS haplotypes or α-thalassemia, HU seems to be linked to alterations in hemolytic, inflammatory, hepatic, lipid and glycemic profiles., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Streptococcus pyogenes infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem causing various diseases in humans and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. We developed a vaccine candidate to prevent S. pyogenes infections, identified as StreptInCor, that presented promising results in mouse models. A certified and independent laboratory conducted two repeated intramuscular dose toxicity tests (28 days, four weekly injections). The first test, composed of four experimental groups treated with 0 (vehicle), 50, 100 or 200 µg/500 µL StreptInCor, did not show significant alterations in clinical, hematological, biochemical or anatomopathological parameters related to the administration of StreptInCor. In addition to the parameters mentioned above, we evaluated the cardiac function and valves of animals by echocardiography before and after administration of 200 µg/500 µL StreptInCor versus placebo. We did not observe any changes related to StreptInCor administration, including changes in cardiac function and valves in animals, after receiving the highest dose of this vaccine candidate. The results obtained in the two repeated intramuscular dose toxicity tests showed that this vaccine formulation did not induce harmful effects to the tissues and organs studied, indicating that the candidate vaccine is well tolerated in minipigs.

Pollution generated by deposition of industrial activity waste in the environment without due care can lead to serious environmental consequences. Bioassays in higher plants are means of understanding the cytogenotoxic effects of these substances. In the present work, Allium cepa L. was used as a model species to assess nucleolar changes induced by environmental pollutants. The substances used were Methyl Methane Sulfonate (MMS), cadmium (Cd), Spent Potliner (SPL) and the herbicide Atrazine. Water was used as a negative control. The silver-stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) assay was used making it possible to evaluate how nucleolar parameters (number of nucleoli per nucleus and nucleoli area) behave when facing stress caused by such pollutants. The results obtained showed a variation in the observed parameters: an increase in the number of nucleoli in the treated cells and tendency to a reduction in nucleolar area, indicating that the tested pollutants may have impaired nucleolar activity. In addition, it was possible to establish a relationship between the behavior of the nucleolus with other changes as plantlet growth, cell proliferation, and DNA damage., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cryptococcosis is a global invasive mycosis associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the northern region of Brazil, this disease is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans genotype VNI and Cryptococcus gattii genotype VGII. However, few environmental studies have been conducted in this large tropical area., Aims: This study was performed to isolate, genotype, and determine the frequency of cryptococcal agents in environmental samples near Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil., Methods: A total of 970 environmental samples (290 from soil, 290 from decaying plants, 5 from insects, 280 from the Negro river, and 105 from small streams within the city of Manaus) were collected and plated on Niger seed agar. In addition, 20 sub-cultures obtained from each positive sample were analyzed by PCR-RFLP (URA5) and PCR for genotyping and determination of mating type., Results: Six samples were positive for isolates from the C. gattii species complex. Of those, three samples were from Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve and three were from the Negro river. All isolates were C. gattii genotype VGII (mating type MATα)., Conclusion: Genotype VGII proved to be the most important genotype found in the environmental samples. The genotype VGII has been described as one of the most virulent and less susceptible to antifungals and responsible for important outbreaks. This is the first study to demonstrate isolation of C. gattii (VGII) from the Negro river.