Prevalence and factors associated with dry socket following routine dental extractions.

BACKGROUND: Dry socket (DS) or fibrinolytic osteitis is a relatively common complication that can occur following tooth extraction. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DS and identify its associated predictive and mediating variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is classified as prospective observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter. Patients were consecutively selected in accordance with established criteria for tooth extraction. Data on patient demographics, surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes were collected. Nominal variables were analyzed using the Chi-Square Test, while associations involving ordinal values or considering counts or layers were examined using the Kendall's Tau-B Test or Mantel-Haenszel Test for trend. The GLM Mediation Model was employed to investigate potential mediation or indirect effects or potential underlying mechanisms of predictive variables on the development of DS. Two-tailed significance level of p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 1,357 patients undergoing routine dental extractions were included. DS was observed in 13 patients (prevalence of 1%). DS was associated with younger patients (under 50 years old), longer procedures, and the presence of surgical accidents, but only when mediated by surgical complexity. Smoking, particularly in combination with complex surgeries and surgical accidents, was associated with DS. Postoperative pain for more than two days and reported at moderate to high levels, emerged as a potential warning sign for DS. The use of antibiotics was found to significantly reduce the risk of DS (RR reduction of 36% and absolute risk reduction of 0.63%). CONCLUSIONS: Routine dental extractions revealed a 1% prevalence of dry socket. The obtained results suggests that DS is a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors, including gender, age, smoking, antibiotic prescription and surgical factors such as length, technique and accidents, nevertheless, those associations were observed mainly considering the influence of one variable on another.

A study regarding the anterior cruciate ligament remnant: Differences in balance and postural control between remnant-preserving and remnant-non-preserving patients.

INTRODUCTION: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured ligament of the knee. However, quantitative studies on evaluate the postural control influence resulted from the ACL remnant preservation or not are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postural control of patients submitted to ACL reconstruction with and without preservation of the injured remnant in pre and postoperative periods. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent ACL reconstruction and separated into 2 groups according to the preservation or not of the remnant: (I) submitted to ACL reconstruction with preservation of the remnant (10 patients); (II) submitted to ACL reconstruction without preservation of the remnant (8 patients). They were assessed using the Lysholm score and force plate, which evaluated the patient's postural stability for remnant and non-remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction surgery. RESULTS: Group I showed statistically significant subjective and objective improvements, both at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, improvement of the Lysholm test at 6 months in Group II was also statistically significant. Furthermore, the results of the Friedman test for the VCOP and VY variables of Group I, with support of the injured side in the force plate, showed a statistically significant difference both for pre and postoperative period at 3 months, compared to the 6-month postoperative period. The variables EAC and VX were statistically different for Group II, considering the preoperative period, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Preserving the ACL remnant in patients with ACL injuries has a positive impact on postural stability during recovery.

Effect of Fenton process as a pretreatment in the phytoremediation of metronidazole by Scirpus lacustris.

The present study evaluated the effect of the Fenton process as pretreatment for metronidazole (MNZ) removal coupled with a phytoremediation system using Scirpus lacustris as macrophyte. Initial concentrations of 0.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg MNZ/L were studied in batch cultures. Results obtained in the MNZ removal by phytoremediation showed efficiencies of 93 ± 2%, 81 ± 4%, 85 ± 1%, 84 ± 2%, and 87 ± 6%, respectively. The metronidazole pretreated by the Fenton process and subsequently fed to the phytoremediation system increased the removal efficiencies up to 93 ± 3%, 99 ± 1%, 99 ± 4%, 94 ± 2%, and 94 ± 3%, respectively. Individual studies with Scirpus lacustris in touch with metronidazole displayed relative growth rates of 0.02-0.04 d-1, showing the not toxic effect of the antibiotic on the macrophyte growth. On the other hand, the BMG kinetic model best describes the removal of MNZ by phytoremediation. Finally, applying the Fenton process as a pretreatment makes the MNZ more assimilable for the phytoremediation system, converting the integration of Fenton with the phytoremediation like other attractive technology to be considered in removing emerging compounds.

Performance of the UASB reactor during wastewater treatment and the effect of the biogas bubbles on its hydrodynamics.

A lab-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor was used as a model for evaluating synthetic and complex industrial wastewater treatment, using a solar heater to control temperature. Also, hydrodynamics was assessed using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. Initially, the UASB reactor was operated with synthetic wastewater at Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 24 h in 20 ± 2 °C and 30 ± 2 °C to measure the biogas bubbles production for CFD study. COD removal efficiencies of 85 ± 3% and 95 ± 3%, respectively, with production of 27 and 39 ml CH4/h, correspondingly, were observed. After that, the reactor was fed with complex industrial wastewater. It was evaluated at 24 h in both temperatures. At 30 °C, low COD removal efficiency was observed, being 48 ± 13%, with methane production of 20 ± 3 ml CH4/h. The plug flow pattern was observed in the CFD modelling at HRT of 24 h and 20 °C without considering biogas bubbles interaction. Similar hydrodynamic behaviour was observed at HRT of 24 h and 30 °C. Nonetheless, when biogas bubbles were considered in the CFD modelling, hydrodynamics significantly changed, passing from a plug flow to a complete mix flow pattern.

Knowledge translation in rehabilitation settings in low, lower-middle and upper-middle-income countries: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This review aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to knowledge use and Knowledge Translation (KT) strategies in rehabilitation in low, lower-middle, and upper-middle-income countries (LMICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review of studies of KT in rehabilitation in LMICs contexts using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework was conducted. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and 10 other databases was undertaken to identify studies conducted primarily in LMICs. RESULTS: From the initial 15.606 titles identified; 27 articles were included for final analysis. Our analysis identified the following themes: Professional culture and context; KT interventions; and the conceptualization and application of KT and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Individual-level barriers to KT included lack of skills, knowledge about EBP and English language, lack of motivation, and decision-making power. Facilitators to KT included positive attitudes and motivation. Organization-level barriers included lack of time, lack of financial resources, limited access to scientific journals, and applicability of research to rural settings. Facilitators included adequate financial and physical resources, a supportive management environment, and the existence of training and continuing education programs. CONCLUSION: This review identified common and unique barriers and facilitators to KT in LMICs when compared to KT studies conducted in high-income settings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONKnowledge Translation from academic institutions to rehabilitation clinical practice in low and upper-middle-income countries is important to support evidence-based practice and patient outcomes.Barriers at the individual level include professionals' ability to understand English and knowledge of the evidence-based practice.Organization-level barriers included lack of time to access and implement new practices, lack of financial and personal resources, limited access to scientific journals, and applicability of research to rural settings.Training and continuing education programs are needed to support rehabilitation professionals' efforts to achieve the application of evidence-based practice in clinical practice.

Scalp arteriovenous malformations - 20 years of experience in a tertiary healthcare centre.

BACKGROUND: Scalp arteriovenous malformations (SAVM) are extremely uncommon vascular malformations, with only ~200 cases published in the English language in the past years. The objective of the present study was to describe the experience of a single reference service in neurosurgery. METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study conducted at our institution, which included cases of SAVM treated between 2001 and 2022. All information were extracted from the medical records of our institution. Patient confidentiality was preserved. Furthermore, an illustrative case has been described in detail. RESULTS: Seven patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 2.5: 1 and the mean age was 23.3 (3-42) years. Most cases (56.4%) were spontaneous and the lesions were located in the frontal (28.7%) and parietal (28.7%) regions. All lesions were supplied by more than one feeder, with the superficial temporal and occipital arteries being the most commonly involved (71.5%). Six patients underwent preoperative embolization, and 56.4% patients had scalp necrosis. Five patients underwent surgical resection, all without recurrence and with good postoperative evolution. CONCLUSIONS: More than one artery was involved in all cases, and the properties of the involved vessel influences the approach strategy. Surgical treatment is curative, and preoperative embolization helps reduce bleeding during the surgery. Complete resection of the lesions prevents associated complications, such as bleeding or recurrence. Scalp necrosis is a frequent complication in the treatment of these lesions, and a multidisciplinary approach involving reconstructive plastic surgery should always be considered.

Fire simulator exposure alters the innate epithelial response and inflammatory status in the airways of firefighters.

BACKGROUND: Firefighters are often exposed to high temperatures and by-products of combustion, which can compromise their health. We aimed to evaluate the effect of fire exposure in fire simulators on the airways of firefighters at different time-points. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-seven male firefighters exposed to fire simulators were evaluated in three phases: pre-exposure, at the end of the first week, and 4 weeks after. Pulmonary function by spirometry, nasal mucociliary clearance; peripheral oxygen saturation, inflammatory markers in the nasal lavage and CC16 in the sputum, nasal obstruction, and quality of life (using the questionnaires NOSE and SNOT-22) were assessed. RESULTS: Higher levels of IL-8, IL-10, and exhaled carbon monoxide were found more in phase 2 than in phase 1. Higher CC16 levels and lower peripheral oxygen saturation were observed in phase 3 as compared to phase 1. Lower levels of IL-2 and peripheral oxygen saturation were found in phase 3 than in phase 2. Higher nasal mucociliary clearance, as well as the worst quality of life and nasal obstruction, were observed in phases 2 and 3 as compared to phase 1. CONCLUSIONS: The firefighters’ exposures to high temperatures and by-products of combustion in the fire simulators elicit an inflammatory process in the airways with impairment in the innate epithelial response of the upper airway lining. Furthermore, changes in O2 transport affected the professionals’ quality of life negatively.

Simultaneous nitrification/denitrification and desulfurization of wastewater polluted with ammonium, COD and sulfide: effectiveness of a new up-flow vertical hybrid reactor.

Industrial wastewater discharges pose an environmental risk. Here, the effectiveness of an up-flow vertical hybrid system, operating with synthetic and industrial wastewater was investigated, as a new approach to perform nitrification/denitrification and desulfurization within a single reactor. The hybrid reactor is divided in two reaction zones, the oxic and anoxic. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium, and sulfide was investigated, highlighting changes in microbial diversity. The reactor was evaluated at hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 1.6 days, and its performance throughout 180 days is presented in four stages. In stages I-II, high COD and ammonium removal was obtained with synthetic wastewater. In stage-III, sulfide-rich synthetic wastewater did not alter the system, attaining COD, ammonium, and sulfide removal efficiencies of 81, 99.5, and 99.7%, respectively. In the last stage, a mixture of effluents was fed into the reactor at loading rates of 277 mg COD/L-d, 46.5 mg NH4 +-N /L-d, and 15 mg HS--S /L-d. Sulfide and ammonium removals were 100% and 99.9%, respectively. However, low COD removal was observed, being of 51%, and the system removed 97% in terms of BOD5. The structure and microbial diversity also changed. Sulfide feeding, induced the proliferation of sulfur oxidizers like Thiomiscropira and Thiobacillus. Industrial wastewater enhanced the abundance of Pseudomonas (15.53%) and favored the proliferation of new bacteria of the genus Truepera (2.98%) and Alicyclipilus (7.56%). This is the first study reporting simultaneous nitrification/denitrification and desulfurization to remove ammonium, COD and sulfide from complex industrial wastewater using an up-flow vertical hybrid reactor.

Effect of maternal overnutrition on predisposition to insulin resistance in the foal: Maternal parameters and foal pancreas histoarchitecture.

Results from previous studies indicate that maternal overnutrition during late gestation predisposes foals to metabolic disease, however, specific mechanisms resulting in disease remain unknown. Quarter Horse mares (n = 16), were randomly assigned to dietary treatments, beginning on gestational day 235, and consisted of a control group (CON- diet meeting nutrient requirement; n = 8) or an overfed diet (HIGH; n = 8) where mares received an additional 40 % above CON. On gestational days 285 and 315, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) was conducted. Following parturition, foals were separated from the mare, prohibited from nursing, and an FSIGTT was conducted at 2 h postpartum. Foals were immediately euthanized and tissues preserved for analyses. There was no effect of treatment on foal BW (P = 0.50), pancreas weight (P = 0.60), or FSIGTT area under the curve for glucose (P = 0.80) and insulin (P = 0.70). Colocalization of α-amylase to isolate pancreatic islets of Langerhans indicated increased islet number and size in foals from HIGH mares (P < 0.01). Immunofluoresent analysis of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin indicate no difference in intensity of staining (P> 0.10). Foals exposed to overnutrition during peak fetal growth had altered pancreatic islet development that may lead to adult-onset metabolic disease.

Pre-synchronization of ovulation timing and delayed fixed-time artificial insemination increases pregnancy rates when sex-sorted semen is used for insemination of heifers.

This study was conducted to determine effects of pre-synchronization of ovulation timing among heifers and delayed fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) with sex-sorted semen on proportion of heifers pregnant after TAI (PR/AI). Heifers were assigned to one of eight treatments: 1 and 2), 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR treatment regimen with administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and a CIDR insert on Day 0, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) at CIDR removal on Day 7, and TAI occurring 54 h later with conventionally processed (CTRL54-CNV) or sex-sorted semen (CTRL54-SEX); 3 and 4), same as CTRL54 but TAI delayed to 72 h with conventionally processed (CTRL72-CNV) or sex-sorted semen (CTRL72-SEX); 5 and 6), same as CTRL54 but additional administration of PGF on Day -7 and TAI with conventionally processed (PRE54-CNV) or sex-sorted semen (PRE54-SEX); 7 and 8), same as PRE54 treatments but TAI delayed to 72 h with conventionally processed (PRE72-CNV) or sex-sorted semen (PRE72-SEX). Proportion of heifers pregnant after TAI was greater (P ≤  0.02) with conventionally processed semen compared with sex-sorted semen, yet PR/AI did not differ (P =  0.14) between heifers in PRE72-CNV and PRE72-SEX groups. There were greater PR/AI in the PRE72-SEX (P =  0.03) than CTRL54-SEX group (46.1 % and 36.9 %) and there was no difference (P =  0.31) in PR/AI between CTRL54-CNV and PRE72-SEX groups (50.4 % and 46.1 %). In conclusion, pre-synchronization of ovulation timing among heifers combined with delayed TAI resulted in increased PR/AI with sex-sorted semen compared with the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR treatment regimen.

Induced prostaglandin release alters steroid concentrations but not pregnancy survival in cows.

Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, and despite negative connotations related to reproductive performance, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is capable of being released by the uterus by Day 30 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF2α release after an oxytocin challenge between cows with high circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) vs low PAG because of the association of increased PAG concentrations with pregnancy success. At Day 30 of gestation, pregnant cows were divided into oxytocin treatment (OT; n = 13) and control (CON; n = 12) groups. Treatment cows were further subdivided by circulating PAG concentration (high PAG, n = 7; and low PAG, n = 6). Blood samples were collected every 30 min beginning 1 h before oxytocin administration and continuing for 4 h. Prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), progesterone, estradiol-17ß (E2), and PAG concentrations were quantified. The peak concentration of PGFM occurred 2 h after oxytocin injection in treatment animals and returned to baseline levels by 4 h. No correlations were observed between PAG and PGFM, progesterone, or E2 concentrations (P > 0.05). There was no difference in initial or final PGFM concentrations between groups (P > 0.05). Progesterone and E2 concentrations decreased in cows after treatment of oxytocin (P < 0.05); however, only progesterone returned to basal concentrations by the end of the sampling period. In summary, cows with high vs low PAG concentrations at Day 30 of gestation have a similar PGFM response to oxytocin challenge.

Implications of growth rates and compensatory growth on puberty attainment in Nellore heifers.

This study investigated the effects of growth rates and compensatory growth on puberty attainment in Nellore heifers. Nellore heifers (n = 120), weaned at 8 ± 0.75 mo of age, were blocked by sire and BW (180 ± 8.6 kg) and assigned randomly to receive 1 of 4 treatments over a 10-mo period. Treatments included ad libitum feeding (high gain, HG), feed intake to gain 0.6 kg/d (medium gain, MG), restricted feeding (0.2 kg/d) for 4 mo followed by ad libitum feeding for 6 mo (compensatory gain, CG), and alternating periods of ad libitum and restricted feeding for 2 mo each throughout the trial (alternated CG, ACG). Puberty was assessed weekly by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at 8, 11, and 18 mo of age and at puberty to determine circulating concentrations of leptin. At 18 mo of age, nonpubertal heifers were treated with a puberty induction protocol using an intravaginal progestin device. There was no treatment effect (P = 0.17) on the percentage of heifers pubertal by 18 mo of age (HG: 66, MG: 40, CG: 58, and ACG: 52%), BW at puberty, and age at puberty. However, HG heifers had higher ADG (P < 0.01), dry matter intake (P < 0.01), and leptin concentrations (P = 0.03) than heifers from other groups. The response to the puberty induction protocol was similar (P = 0.90) among treatments. Regarding sire effects (genetic effects), there was an effect (P = 0.03) on the percentage of heifers pubertal by 18 mo of age and a tendency (P = 0.07) of sire effect in response to the puberty induction protocol. Compensatory growth appears to be an effective managerial approach to decrease feeding costs and stimulate puberty in Nellore heifers.

Prediction of reparability of meniscal tears in athletes using magnetic resonance.

Meniscal tears account for approximately 15% of all knee injuries and almost 25% of them require surgical procedures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is widely used for noninvasive assessment of the knee joint and is considered reliable and a powerful tool for the detection of soft tissue injuries of the knee. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the meniscal tears repair in sports practitioners. 104 incoming consecutive patients who underwent knee joint ligament reconstruction and/or arthroscopy for the treatment of meniscal injury at knee joint were imaged using a 1.5-T MRI scanner prior to arthroscopy. MRI images were evaluated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), articular cartilage, and meniscal injury. Images were correlated with arthroscopic findings, used as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI in predicting meniscal repair were 61.1%, 65.94%, and 64.58%, respectively. The agreement between MRI and arthroscopy yielded a kappa index of 0.236, indicating fair agreement. When the menisci were evaluated separately, 65.85% sensitivity, 45.45% specificity, and 54.16% accuracy were found for the medial meniscus, while 46.15%, 79.51%, and 75.0% for the lateral meniscus, respectively. The accuracy was 62.09% in whose patients that arthroscopy was performed up to 3 months after MRI and 67.18% in those that this time frame was more than 3 months before surgery. The 54 meniscal injuries occurred more frequently in the posterior horn; most injuries had a longitudinal pattern and were located in the red-red (vascular) zone. We suggest that magnetic resonance imaging is only moderately accurate for the prediction of meniscus reparability.

Pregnancy rates and luteal phase characteristics of bovine embryo recipients treated with flunixin meglumine / Taxas de prenhez e características da fase lútea de receptoras de embriões tratadas com flunixina meglumina em bovinos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of flunixin meglumine administration on pregnancy rates and luteal phase characteristics in bovine embryo recipients at the moment of embryo transfer. In experiment 1, in vitro produced embryos were transferred to 184 females divided as control and treated group (recipients treated with 1.1mg/kg flunixin meglumine). In experiment 2, 22 females were divided as control group; group 2 (animals submitted to a reproductive tract manipulation similar to an embryo transfer on the 7th day after estrous); and group 3 (females submitted to a manipulation and treatment with 1.1mg/kg flunixin meglumine). In experiment 1 no difference was observed between control and treated groups (40.2% and 44.6%, respectively) for pregnancy rates. In experiment 2 no difference was observed on the length of luteal phase between groups, however, animals in group 2 presented lower plasma progesterone concentrations than the control group and group 3. Therefore, we concluded that although the administration of flunixin meglumine at the moment of embryo transfer inhibited the reduction plasma progesterone concentrations, it was not effective in increasing pregnancy rates of bovine recipients.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de flunixina meglumina sobre as taxas de prenhez e características da fase lútea da receptora no momento da transferência de embriões em bovinos. No experimento 1, embriões produzidos in vitro foram transferidos para 184 fêmeas, divididas em grupos controle e tratado (tratados com 1,1mg/kg de flunixina meglumina). No experimento 2, 22 fêmeas foram divididas em grupo controle (n=7); grupo 2 (n=8; animais submetidos à manipulação do trato reprodutivo semelhante à transferência de embriões no sétimo dia pós-cio); e grupo 3 (n=7; fêmeas submetidas à manipulação e ao tratamento com 1,1mg/kg de flunixina meglumina). No experimento 1, não foi observada diferença nos grupos controle e tratado (40,2% e 44,6%, respectivamente) para as taxas de prenhez. No experimento 2, não houve diferença na extensão da fase lútea entre os grupos, entretanto os animais do grupo 2 apresentaram concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona mais baixas que o grupo controle e o grupo 3. Portanto, conclui-se que a administração de flunixina meglumina no momento da transferência de embriões inibiu a redução das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona, no entanto não foi eficaz para aumentar as taxas de prenhez de receptoras em bovinos.(AU)

Isoniazid and verapamil modulatory activity and efflux pump gene expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs is a major concern in the treatment of the disease. New strategies, such as the use of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), are being investigated to improve the outcome of the treatment. Verapamil (VP), one such inhibitor, was shown to inhibit several efflux pump (EP) Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins and demonstrate synergic activity with anti-TB drugs.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combinatory effect of isoniazid (INH) and VP in M. tuberculosis.METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations and combinatory effects of INH+VP were determined using respectively resazurin microtitre assay plate (REMA) and resazurin drugs combination microtitre assay (REDCA). From the results, we selected three bacilli with different susceptibility profiles and assessed their expression of 10 EP genes through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction after exposure to INH, VP and INH + VP for 48 h.RESULTS: A significant reduction of INH MIC was observed in INH-susceptible isolates upon combination with VP. In brief, gene expression assays revealed expression patterns that could be correlated with each resistance profile, presence or absence of gene mutations and combinatory effect with VP.CONCLUSION: Combining VP with INH showed important results in drug-susceptible strains, and clinical trials on combined VP + anti-TB drugs should be discussed.

Nutritional control of puberty in the bovine female: prenatal and early postnatal regulation of the neuroendocrine system.

Puberty is a complex biological event that requires maturation of the reproductive neuroendocrine axis and subsequent initiation of high-frequency, episodic release of GnRH and LH. Nutrition is a critical factor affecting the neuroendocrine control of puberty. Although nutrient restriction during juvenile development delays puberty, elevated rates of body weight gain during this period facilitate pubertal maturation by programming hypothalamic centers that underlie the pubertal process. Recent findings suggest that maternal nutrition during gestation can also modulate the development of the fetal neuroendocrine axis, thus influencing puberty and subsequent reproductive function. Among the several metabolic signals, leptin plays a critical role in conveying metabolic information to the brain and, consequently, controlling puberty. The effects of leptin on GnRH secretion are mediated via an upstream neuronal network because GnRH neurons do not express the leptin receptor. Two neuronal populations located in the arcuate nucleus that express the orexigenic peptide neuropeptide Y (NPY), and the anorexigenic peptide alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH), are key components of the neurocircuitry that conveys inhibitory (NPY) and excitatory (αMSH) inputs to GnRH neurons. In addition, neurons in the arcuate nucleus that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (termed KNDy neurons) are also involved in the metabolic control of puberty. Our studies in the bovine female demonstrate that increased planes of nutrition during juvenile development lead to organizational and functional changes in hypothalamic pathways comprising NPY, proopiomelanocortin (POMC, the precursor of αMSH), and kisspeptin neurons. Changes include alterations in the abundance of NPY, POMC, and Kiss1 mRNA and in plasticity of the neuronal projections to GnRH neurons. Our studies also indicate that epigenetic mechanisms, such as modifications in the DNA methylation pattern, are involved in this process. Finally, our most recent data demonstrate that maternal nutrition during gestation can also induce morphological and functional changes in the hypothalamic NPY system in the heifer offspring that are likely to persist long after birth. These organizational changes occurring during fetal development have the potential to not only impact puberty but also influence reproductive performance throughout adulthood in the bovine female.

Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats with experimental rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (HN019) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats with experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 28 rats were divided into four groups (n=7): RA (rheumatoid arthritis), RA/PROB (probiotic), RA/EP (experimental periodontitis) and RA/EP/PROB. From day zero, HN019 was added daily to the water of the PROB groups animals until the end of the experiment. From day seven, RA was induced. On day 28, in EP groups, ligatures were positioned around mandibular first molars and remained in position for 11 days, in order to induce periodontitis. The animals were euthanised on day 39. Microtomographic, histomorphometric, immunoenzymatic and microbiological analyses were performed. Data were statistically analysed (P<0.05). Group RA/EP/PROB presented reduced alveolar bone loss, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels and increased IL-17 levels when compared with group RA/EP. There were no significant differences regarding connective tissue attachment level and IL-10 levels between groups RA/EP and RA/EP/PROB. Group RA/PROB showed decreased anti-citrullinated protein antibodies levels when compared with groups RA and RA/EP. Group RA/EP/PROB presented a higher rate of aerobic/anaerobic bacteria than group RA/EP. Systemic administration of HN019 promoted a protective effect against periodontal tissue destruction, decreasing both bone loss and inflammatory mediators and increasing the proportion of bacteria compatible with periodontal health, in rats with experimental RA and EP.

High salt intake during puberty leads to cardiac remodelling and baroreflex impairment in lean and obese male Wistar rats.

Modern lifestyle increases the prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidities in the young population. High-salt (HS) diets are associated with hypertension and cardiac remodelling. The present study evaluated the potential effects of cardiometabolic programming induced by HS intake during puberty in lean and obese rats. Additionally, we investigated whether HS could exacerbate the impairment of cardiovascular parameters in adult life due to postnatal early overnutrition (PO). At postnatal day 3 (PN3), twenty-four litters of Wistar rats were divided into two groups: normal litter (NL, nine pups/dam) and small litter (SL, three pups/dam) throughout the lactation period; weaning was at PN21. At PN30, the pups were subdivided into two more groups: NL plus HS (NLHS) and SL plus HS (SLHS). HS intake was from PN30 until PN60. Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated at PN120. SL rats became overweight at adulthood due to persistent hyperphagia; however, HS exposure during puberty reduced the weight gain and food intake of NLHS and SLHS. Both HS and obesity raised the blood pressure, impaired baro- and chemoreflex sensitivity and induced cardiac remodelling but no worsening was observed in the association of these factors, except a little reduction in the angiotensin type-2 receptor in the hearts from SLHS animals. Our results suggest that the response of newborn offspring to PO and juveniles to a HS diet leads to significant changes in cardiovascular parameters in adult rats. This damage may be accompanied by impairment of both angiotensin signalling and antioxidant defence in the heart.