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Introduction: The cognitive effects of video games have garnered increasing attention due to their potential applications in cognitive rehabilitation and evaluation. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these cognitive modifications remain poorly understood. Objectives: This study investigates the fundamental mnemonic processes of spatial navigation, pattern separation, and recognition memory, closely associated with the hippocampus. Our objective is to elucidate the interaction of these cognitive processes and shed light on rehabilitation mechanisms that could inform the design of video games aimed at stimulating the hippocampus. Method: In this study, we assessed 48 young adults, including both video game players and non-players. We utilized virtual reality and cognitive tasks such as the Lobato Virtual Water Maze and the Mnemonic Similarity Task to evaluate their cognitive abilities. Results: Our key findings highlight that gamers exhibit heightened pattern separation abilities and demonstrate quicker and more accurate spatial learning, attributed to the cognitive stimulation induced by video games. Additionally, we uncovered a significant relationship between spatial memory, guided by environmental cues, and pattern separation, which serves as the foundation for more efficient spatial navigation. Conclusions: These results provide valuable insights into the cognitive impact of video games and offer potential for monitoring changes in rehabilitation processes and early signs of cognitive decline through virtual reality-based assessments. Ultimately, we propose that examining the relationships between cognitive processes represents an effective method for evaluating neurodegenerative conditions, offering new possibilities for early diagnosis and intervention.
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This study explores the under-researched domain of long-term stimulant treatment in children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The necessity for extended treatment duration, often accompanied by safety concerns and side effects leading to treatment discontinuation, underscores the significance of this investigation. Concurrently, comparative studies have revealed adverse impacts on vulnerable regions within the hippocampal formation, accompanied by behavioral perturbations. We employed computerized tests and virtual reality to assess spatial memory, pattern separation, and object recognition memory in a cohort of children diagnosed with ADHD receiving stimulant treatment. We compared their performance to a group of neurotypical peers. Our findings indicate that the ADHD group exhibited a lower performance in spatial memory, pattern separation, and object recognition memory than ND group. Intriguingly, a positive relationship emerged between the duration of stimulant treatment and performance in these variables. Notably, this improvement was not immediate to MPH treatment but becomes significant after 24 months of treatment. In contrast to previous comparative investigations, our study did not reveal a detrimental impact on spatial navigation, object recognition memory, or pattern separation, despite the known interplay of these cognitive processes with the hippocampal formation. These results shed new light on the nuanced effects of stimulant treatment in ADHD, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of long-term treatment outcomes.
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BACKGROUND: Allergy to lipid transfer proteins (LPT) is common in Mediterranean Europe, and it causes severe reactions in patients and affects multiple foods, impairing the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinical and sensitization profile of patients with LTP syndrome and to determine a clinical pattern of severity. Molecular diagnosis is shown in a broad population through microarrays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed at the LTP Allergy Consultation of the Reina Sofia Hospital in Murcia, Spain. We analyzed the patients' characteristics, reactions, cofactors, food implicated, quality of life, skin prick test to food and aeroallergens, and serologic parameters, such as total immunoglobulin E, peach LTP (Pru p 3 IgE) and immunoglobulin G4, and microarray Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC). We related the severity of the reactions with other variables. RESULTS: We presented a series of 236 patients diagnosed with LTP allergy, 54.66% suffering from anaphylaxis, 36.02% from urticaria angioedema, and 9.32% from oral allergy syndrome. The most frequently implicated food was peach, producing symptoms in 70% of patients, followed by walnut in 55%, peanut in 45%, hazelnut in 44%, and apple in 38% patients. Regarding the food that provoked anaphylaxis, walnut was the most frequent instigator, along with peach, peanut, hazelnut, almond, sunflower seed, and apple. According to the severity of LPT reaction, we did not discover significant differences in gender, age, food group involved, and serologic parameters. We found differences in the presence of cofactors, with 48.84% of cofactors in patients with anaphylaxis, compared to 27.1% in patients without anaphylaxis and in family allergy background (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In our series of patients, 54% presented anaphylaxis, and the foods that most frequently produced symptoms were peaches, apples, and nuts. Cofactors and family allergy backgrounds were associated with the severity of LPT reaction.
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Alérgenos , Antígenos de Plantas , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar , Imunoglobulina E , Testes Cutâneos , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar/diagnóstico , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar/epidemiologia , Imunoglobulina E/sangue , Imunoglobulina E/imunologia , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Antígenos de Plantas/imunologia , Alérgenos/imunologia , Espanha/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Proteínas de Plantas/imunologia , Adulto Jovem , Proteínas de Transporte/imunologia , Criança , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Idoso , Qualidade de Vida , Anafilaxia/imunologia , Anafilaxia/diagnóstico , Anafilaxia/etiologia , Pré-EscolarRESUMO
Microsolvation of the carbamate moiety delivers precise information on complexation effects on the N-C=O backbone and is of relevance to the peptide bond functionality. In this context, the mono-, di-, and trihydrated complexes of methyl carbamate have been studied in molecular expansion by high-resolution microwave spectroscopy, using chirped-pulse and Fabry-Perot resonator Fourier transform microwave instruments covering the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. From the rotational constants of the parent and the 18Ow substituted monoisotopologues, accurate values have been derived for the geometries of the hydrogen bond interactions. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constant χcc of the nitrogen nucleus provides a direct measure of complexation changes and decreases with the degree of hydration, whereas the hindered internal rotation barrier increases slightly with microsolvation. Both tendencies could have a common origin in the π-cooperative inductive effects as the microsolvation series progresses. All transitions are split by the internal rotation of the methyl top and the nuclear quadrupole coupling, and in the largest cluster, they are additionally split by an inversion motion.
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We present a study of salicylic acid and its hydrates, with up to four water molecules, done by employing chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. We employed the spectral data set of the parent, 13C, and 2H isotopologues to determine the molecular structure and characterize the intra- and intermolecular interactions of salicylic acid and its monohydrate. Complementary theoretical calculations were done to support the analysis of the experimental results. For the monomer, we analyzed structural properties, such as the angular-group-induced bond alternation (AGIBA) effect. In the microsolvates, we analyzed their main structural features dominated by the interaction of water with the carboxylic acid group. This work contributes to seeding information on how water molecules accumulate around this group. Moreover, we discussed the role of cooperative effects further stabilizing the observed inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions.
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Ácido Salicílico , Água , Estrutura Molecular , Análise Espectral , Espectrometria de MassasRESUMO
The structure of isolated 1-chloronaphthalene has been investigated in a supersonic expansion by high-resolution chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy in the 2-8â GHz frequency range. Accurate values of the rotational, centrifugal distortion, and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants for the only availabe conformer have been determined. The intensity of the spectrum allowed us to observe all the heavy atoms isotopologues in natural abundance, determining their rotational constants. From the extensive experimental dataset we derived accurate structures for 1-chloronaphthalene using different methodologies and compared with related compounds.
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The rotational spectrum of laser ablated trans-3-methoxycinnamic acid has been observed in the 2-8 GHz range using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy coupled to a supersonic jet and adapted to support a laser ablation vaporization system (LA-CP-FTMW). Eight stable conformers were theoretically predicted to exist at B3LYP-D3BJ/6-311++(2d,p) level, all of which were experimentally detected. The experimental rotational parameters data evidence the essentially planar structures for all the conformers. The relative population distribution of conformers in the supersonic jet was investigated from relative intensity measurements. Cooling in the jet brings rotational temperatures close to 1 K for all the conformers. The theoretical predictions for the rotational constants and electric dipole moments show good agreement with the experimental constants and selection rules observed. The population distribution of conformers in the supersonic jet was found to be close to the equilibrium distribution calculated at temperatures lower than the stagnation temperature. Finally, the correlation of the observed conformers structures with those found in condensed phases was investigated.
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The effect of applying a negative bias during deposition of a previously designed multilayer solar selective absorber coating was studied on two types of substrates (316L stainless steel and Inconel 625). The solar selective coating is composed of different chromium aluminum nitride layers deposited using a combination of radiofrequency (RF), direct current (DC), and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technologies. The chemical composition is varied to generate an infrared reflective/absorber layer (with low Al addition and N vacancies) and two CrAlN intermediate layers with medium and high aluminum content (Al/Cr = 0.6 and 1.2). A top aluminum oxide layer (Al2O3) is deposited as an antireflective layer. In this work, a simultaneous DC-pulsed bias (-100 V, 250 kHz) was applied to the substrates in order to increase the film density. The optical performance, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance was evaluated and compared with the performance obtained with similar unbiased coating and a commercial Pyromark paint reference at 600, 700, and 800 °C. The coating remained stable after 200 h of annealing at 600 °C, with solar absorptance (α) values of 93% and 92% for samples deposited on stainless steel and Inconel, respectively, and a thermal emittance ε25°C of 18%. The introduction of additional ion bombardment during film growth through bias assistance resulted in increased durability, thermal stability, and working temperature limits compared with unbiased coatings. The solar-to-mechanical energy conversion efficiency at 800 °C was found to be up to 2 times higher than Pyromark at C = 100 and comparable at C = 1000.
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The rotational spectra of 4'-aminoacetophenone, and those of two conformers (Z and E arrangement of the CîO and NH2 groups) of 3'-aminoacetophenone and their 13C and 15N isotopologues were investigated both in the microwave (2-8 GHz) and millimetre (59.6-74.4 GHz) frequency regions using chirped pulse Fourier transform and free-jet absorption techniques, respectively. The spectra consist of µa and µb type lines that show a hyperfine structure due to both the nuclear quadrupole coupling of the 14N nucleus and the methyl internal rotation. Relative intensity measurements show that the Z form in 3'-aminoacetophenone is favoured with respect to E and the measured energy difference upper limit is about 5.5(1) kJ mol-1. Barriers to methyl internal rotation are V3 = 7.04(2) and 6.530(6) kJ mol-1 for 3'(Z)- and 4'-aminoacetophenone, respectively. Flexible model analyses of the amino inversion motion based on ab initio potential energy paths, suggest that the corresponding vibrational splitting increases up to 78% from aniline to 3'(E)-, 3'(Z), and 4-aminoacetophenone. However, due to supersonic expansion cooling, no splitting related to amine inversion is observed.
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INTRODUCTION: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases and affects around 334 million people worldwide. The estimated prevalence of severe asthma is 3-10% of the asthmatic population. Mepolizumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing exacerbations, oral corticosteroid use, and improving quality of life, asthma control, and lung function in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). Our study aimed to check the response to mepolizumab in a series of severe asthma patients regarding exacerbations, oral corticosteroid use, asthma control, quality of life, and lung function and to compare the response between patients with and without nasal polyps. METHOD: This is a retrospective, multicenter study of RE-ASGRAMUR (Register of Severe Asthma of the Region of Murcia) performed in eight hospitals of the Region of Murcia (Spain) under routine clinical practice conditions. We included patients diagnosed with SEA who completed at least 1 year of treatment with mepolizumab. We analyzed clinical characteristics, drug tolerance, and effectiveness: exacerbations, ACT, miniAQLQ, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and use of oral corticosteroids. We also compared the results between patients with and without nasal polyps. RESULTS: The median of exacerbations before treatment was 3 and decreased to 0 after treatment (mean decrease of 77.4%). The median diary oral prednisone intake was 15 mg before treatment and 5 mg after treatment (mean 56% reduction). We have obtained a significant improvement in other variables: ED visits and hospitalizations, asthma control (ACT), quality of life (miniAQLQ), and lung function (FEV1). Thirty-four out of 70 patients (48.57%) fulfilled the criteria of super-responder, and 17 out of 70 (24.29%) had a complete response. More patients in the group with nasal polyps fulfilled the criteria of super-responder and complete response to mepolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Mepolizumab is a safe and effective treatment for SEA patients, improving exacerbations, oral corticosteroid intake, asthma control, quality of life, and lung function. In patients with associated nasal polyposis, there is a statistically significant higher proportion of super-responders and complete responders.
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Antiasmáticos , Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados , Asma , Pólipos Nasais , Eosinofilia Pulmonar , Humanos , Antiasmáticos/uso terapêutico , Qualidade de Vida , Pólipos Nasais/complicações , Pólipos Nasais/tratamento farmacológico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Asma/complicações , Asma/tratamento farmacológico , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/tratamento farmacológico , Corticosteroides/uso terapêutico , Resultado do Tratamento , Resposta Patológica CompletaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: On the American continent, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. comprises two species: Rhipicephalus linnaei and R. sanguineus s.s. Each species has been identified as a potential vector of at least one of five species of pathogenic bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. In particular, Rickettsia massiliae is one of three species with the greatest importance in public health at the continental level. In Mexico, this species is reported exclusively in the Nearctic states of Baja California and Chihuahua. AIM: For this reason, the aim of this work was to provide new records of R. massiliae for the centre of the country derived from active acarological surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period of February-October 2019, 29 dogs from six municipalities in the state of Morelos were sampled. Hosts were visually inspected, and ticks were recovered and identified morphologically and molecularly by amplification of the 16S rDNA gene. Subsequently, five genes from members of the genus Rickettsia were amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: A total of 229 (117â, 98â and 14 N) ticks identified as R. linnaei were recovered, two of which were positive for R. massiliae strains related to those recovered from Argentina and the United States. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides the second record of R. massiliae infecting R. linnaei in Mexico and the Americas, increasing the geographic distribution of this Rickettsia species in the Neotropical region, and providing information on the possible role of R. linnaei as a potential vector of this microorganism.
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Doenças do Cão , Rhipicephalus sanguineus , Rhipicephalus , Rickettsia , Infestações por Carrapato , Cães , Animais , México/epidemiologia , Infestações por Carrapato/epidemiologia , Infestações por Carrapato/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , Rickettsia/genética , Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiologiaRESUMO
Background: Patient beliefs about their asthma and its treatment may contribute to overreliance on short-acting ß2-agonist (SABA) therapy, leading to increased risk for potentially life-threatening exacerbations. The SABA Reliance Questionnaire (SRQ) is a validated tool for evaluating patients beliefs about SABAs that may lead to overreliance and overuse. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SRQ. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, single-country questionnaire validation study in adults with asthma. Reliability (ordinal α) and validity (convergent and discriminant) of SRQ were evaluated. Concurrent validity was assessed with the Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire, the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, and a visual analog scale item to assess patients' perceptions of the importance of their reliever inhaler. Discriminant validity was assessed through differences in mean SRQ sum score between patients with high adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and those with low adherence, as measured by the Medication Adherence Report Scale-9 and the Test of Adherence to Inhalers. Results: The Spanish-SRQ exhibited good psychometric properties among 131 patients with asthma. Internal consistency was confirmed with an ordinal α of 0.85. All 5 items were useful for measuring patients' beliefs about SABAs that may lead them to be overreliant on SABAs. Concurrent validity with the Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, and a visual analog scale item assessing patients' perceptions of the importance of their reliever inhaler was demonstrated. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the SRQ is a valid tool for evaluating potential overreliance on SABAs in Spanish-speaking patients to enable early intervention and support.
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In this work, we present a series of luminescent platinum acetylide complexes with acetylides that are electronically modified and/or π-extended. Six isocyanide-supported complexes with the general formula cis-[Pt(CNAr)2(C≡CR)2] and six acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC) complexes of the form trans-[Pt(ADC)2(C≡CR)2], all using the same five acetylide ligands, are described. The compounds are characterized by multinuclear NMR, FT-IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In most cases, the phosphorescence arises from an acetylide-centered 3(π â π*) excited state, although in one of the isocyanide compounds there is evidence for a charge-transfer excited state. The photoluminescence wavelength depends strongly on the substitution pattern and extent of the π conjugation on the acetylide, with maxima spanning the range of ca. 460-540 nm. Most photoluminescence lifetimes are long, beyond 50 µs, and quantum yields are low to moderate, 0.043-0.27. The photoluminescence quantum yields and lifetimes in these compounds do not systematically improve in the ADC complexes compared to the isocyanide versions, suggesting the neutral ligand σ-donor character does not play a large role in the excited-state dynamics when the triplet excited state is delocalized over a large π system.
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Most of methane (CH4) emissions contain low CH4 concentrations and typically occur at irregular intervals, which hinders the implementation and performance of methane abatement processes. This study aimed at understanding the metabolic mechanisms that allow methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB) to survive for long periods of time under methane starvation. To this aim, we used an omics-approach and studied the diversity and metabolism of MOB and non-MOB in bioreactors exposed to low CH4 concentrations under feast-famine cycles of 5 days and supplied with nutrient-rich broth. The 16S rRNA and the pmoA transcripts revealed that the most abundant and active MOB during feast and famine conditions belonged to the alphaproteobacterial genus Methylocystis (91-65%). The closest Methylocystis species were M. parvus and M. echinoides. Nitrifiers and denitrifiers were the most representative non-MOB communities, which likely acted as detoxifiers of the system. During starvation periods, the induced activity of CH4 oxidation was not lost, with the particulate methane monooxygenase of alphaproteobacterial MOB playing a key role in energy production. The polyhydroxyalkanoate and nitrification metabolisms of MOB had also an important role during feast-famine cycles, maintaining cell viability when CH4 concentrations were negligible. This research shows that there is an emergence and resilience of conventional alphaproteobacterial MOB, being the genus Methylocystis a centrepiece in environments exposed to dilute and intermittent methane emissions. This knowledge can be applied to the operation of bioreactors subjected to the treatment of dilute and discontinuous emissions via controlled bioaugmentation.
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Reatores Biológicos , Metano , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Oxirredução , Microbiologia do SoloRESUMO
Around 50% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show some extra-articular manifestation, with the lung a usually affected organ; in addition, the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) is a common feature, which is caused by protein citrullination modifications, catalyzed by the peptidyl arginine deiminases (PAD) enzymes. We aimed to identify single nucleotide variants (SNV) in PADI2 and PADI4 genes (PAD2 and PAD4 proteins, respectively) associated with susceptibility to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA patients and the PAD2 and PAD4 levels. Material and methods: 867 subjects were included: 118 RA-ILD patients, 133 RA patients, and 616 clinically healthy subjects (CHS). Allelic discrimination was performed in eight SNVs using qPCR, four in PADI2 and four in PADI4. The ELISA technique determined PAD2 and PAD4 levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples, and the population structure was evaluated using 14 informative ancestry markers. Results: The rs1005753-GG (OR = 4.9) in PADI2 and rs11203366-AA (OR = 3.08), rs11203367-GG (OR = 2.4) in PADI4 are associated with genetic susceptibility to RA-ILD as well as the ACTC haplotype (OR = 2.64). In addition, the PAD4 protein is increased in RA-ILD individuals harboring the minor allele homozygous genotype in PADI4 SNVs. Moreover, rs1748033 in PADI4, rs2057094, and rs2076615 in PADI2 are associated with RA susceptibility. In conclusion, in RA patients, single nucleotide variants in PADI4 and PADI2 are associated with ILD susceptibility. The rs1748033 in PADI4 and two different SNVs in PADI2 are associated with RA development but not ILD. PAD4 serum levels are increased in RA-ILD patients.
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Artrite Reumatoide , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais , Humanos , Alelos , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais/genética , Genótipo , Artrite Reumatoide/complicações , Artrite Reumatoide/genética , Nucleotídeos , Proteína-Arginina Desiminase do Tipo 2RESUMO
Unsymmetrical dicarboxylato complexes [Pt(tpy)2(O2CR)2] [tpy = cyclometalated 2-(p-tolyl)pyridine, R = Me, CF3] react with the terminal alkynes 4-methoxyphenylacetylene, phenylacetylene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetylene or 3,5-difluorophenylacetylene in the presence of a base to produce complexes mer-[Pt(tpy)2(O2CR)(CCAr)], in which the metalated carbon atoms are in a meridional arrangement. Irradiation of the trifluoroacetato derivatives with a 365 nm LED source leads to isomerization to the facial complexes, which can be converted to chlorido derivatives upon reaction with NH4Cl. In contrast, irradiation of the acetato derivatives leads to four different processes, namely, reduction to cis-[Pt(tpy)2], annulations involving one of the tpy ligands and the Cα and Cß atoms of the alkynyl to give benzoquinolizinium derivatives, isomerization to the facial geometry, or C-O couplings between the acetato ligand and one tpy. The first two processes are favored by the presence of electron-donating groups on the alkynyl, whereas electron-withdrawing groups favor the last two. Irradiation of complexes fac-[Pt(tpy)2(O2CCF3)(CCAr)] with a medium-pressure Hg UV lamp leads to a reductive C-C coupling involving the alkynyl Cα atom and one of the tpy ligands to give pyridoisoindolium derivatives, except for the methoxyphenylacetylide derivative, which is photostable. On the basis of TDDFT calculations, the photoreactivity of the mer complexes is attributed to 3LLCT [π(alkynyl) â π*(tpy)] excited states for annulations or 3LMCT [π(alkynyl) â dσ*] excited states for the rest of the processes, which are accessible through thermal population from 3LC(tpy) states. The C-C couplings from the fac complexes are attributed to photoreactive pentacoordinate intermediates.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend in hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, tetanus and seasonal influenza vaccination in people with HIV infection and to analyse associated factors. METHODS: The Hospital Survey of Patients with HIV, an annual cross-sectional study conducted on a fixed day (2006-2021), was used. Inpatients and outpatients were included. Trends in vaccination and associated factors were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 8643 participants were included. Vaccination rates increased to 65.3% for hepatitis A, 83.7% for hepatitis B, 49.3% for tetanus, 68.9% for pneumococcal and 74.5% for seasonal influenza in 2021. Factors positively associated with vaccination were older age for pneumococcal and influenza vaccination; higher educational level for hepatitis A and tetanus; living in a closed institutions or prison for tetanus, pneumococcal and influenza; and having acquired HIV through sex between men for hepatitis A, B and pneumococcal. In addition, being on antiretroviral treatment and having a high CD4 count were positively associated with vaccination for all these diseases. Factors inversely associated with vaccination were being older (hepatitis A, B and tetanus), being an immigrant (tetanus and seasonal influenza) and being an injection drug user/ex-user for hepatitis A and B. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination in people with HIV has increased in the study period. The results are in line with the recommendations in this population, although there is still room to reach the established vaccination indicators.
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Background: Hunting activity in the Mayan communities has increased due to COVID-19 and domestic dogs have gained more importance. Due to their proximity to humans, domestic dogs are a bridge between tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and humans and their peri-domestic environment. In Mexico, and especially in rural regions, there were not adequate records of TBDs during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Aim: Identify TBD of ticks collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural community. Methods: Tick capture was carried out in March 2021, in Teabo, Yucatan. Ticks were removed using from domestic dogs and placed in ethanol. Collected ticks were morphologically identified and underwent DNA extraction and a partial segment of the mitochondrial 16S-rDNA gene was amplified to corroborate the tick species. The DNA was screened for the presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. Purified amplification products were submitted for sequencing and the results were compared to those deposited in GenBank using BLAST. Results: We collected 33 ectoparasites, Ixodes affinis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Amblyomma mixtum on 11 hunting dogs. The most frequent ectoparasite was R. sanguineus (66%). We detected the presence of DNA of Rickettsia endosymbiont in I. affinis and Anaplasma platys in R. sanguineus. Rickettsia endosymbiont presented a similarity of 100% with the partial sequence of R. endosymbiont of I. affinis isolate IACACTM001 16S ribosomal RNA gene and the sequence of A. platys had a similarity of 100% with the partial sequence of the isolate 23-33TX 16S ribosomal RNA gene of A. platys from dogs from Texas, USA and with the partial sequence of the isolate L134 16S ribosomal RNA gene of Ehrlichia canis from dogs from Piura, Peru. Conclusion: We confirmed for the first time the presence of A. platys in R. sanguineus and R. endosymbiont in I. affinis ticks from dogs in the state of Yucatan.
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COVID-19 , Doenças do Cão , Rhipicephalus sanguineus , Rickettsia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos , Animais , Humanos , Cães , Cães Trabalhadores , México/epidemiologia , Pandemias , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/veterinária , SARS-CoV-2 , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/veterinária , Doenças Transmitidas por Carrapatos/microbiologia , Rickettsia/genética , Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiologia , Rhipicephalus sanguineus/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/microbiologiaRESUMO
The aim of this work was to supplement a diet with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) based on the requirements of finishing lambs for meat, and to analyze biometric parameters and fatty acid profiles in meat. Eighteen male Rambouillet lambs with a bodyweight of 25 kg were used. Animals were kept in individual pens with water and feed provided ad libitum. Three finishing diets were designed with the inclusion of 0, 50 and 100 g dry matter chia seeds and divided among the animals (n = 6). The experimental period lasted 60 days. The weights of the individual lambs were recorded every 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered and the weights of the hot carcasses and non-meat components were registered. In addition, an analysis of the fatty acid composition was carried out in the muscles (Longissimus thoracis). The total weight gain and average daily gain displayed significant differences (p < 0.05). Initial and final bodyweights, such as the dry matter intake, did not display differences. The fatty acid profile of the meat tended to decrease the SFA (stearic acid) and increase MUFA (oleic acid) (p < 0.0001) when chia seeds were added to the lamb diets. In conclusion, chia seed supplementation did not increase meat production or other biometric parameters; however, it modified the fatty acid profile in L. thoracis.
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Previous research indicates that adequate choline nutrition during late gestation improves fetal development. However, there is a lack of studies describing choline's role during early gestation. Thus, the current study hypothesizes that an herbal mixture as a source of choline (Biocholine) positively affects offspring development from ewes supplemented during early gestation. Therefore, the objectives were to evaluate the impact of biocholine on the programming of the offspring early in life through the evaluation of dams and newborn performance. Twenty-eight four-year-old Rambouillet ewes were assigned randomly to two treatments: non-supplementation and 4 gd-1 of biocholine during the early gestation. Compared with the dams without supplementation, the ewes supplemented using biocholine showed no increase in parameters such as birth and weaning weight (p > 0.05). Additionally, the milk yield and quality of colostrum and milk did not present statistical differences (p > 0.05). However, the placental membrane development was reduced in the ewes that received supplementation with biocholine; interestingly, those dams increased the weight of the newborns during the lambing period (p < 0.05). Finally, the current study proposes necessary elucidation of how placental size is programmed and if less placental development has potential benefits in the fetus's development.