Astragaloside IV alleviates stroke-triggered early brain injury by modulating neuroinflammation and ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Purpose: Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active ingredient extracted from Astragalus membranaceus with an established therapeutic effect on central nervous system diseases. This study examined the neuroprotective properties and possible mechanisms of AS-IV in stroke-triggered early brain injury (EBI) in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Methods: The neurological scores and brain water content were analyzed. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was utilized to determine the infarct volume, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, and ferroptosis-related genes and proteins, and neuronal damage and molecular mechanisms were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nickend labeling (TUNEL) staining, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: AS-IV administration decreased the infarct volume, brain edema, neurological deficits, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and NF-κB, increased the levels of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), decreased lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and prevented neuronal ferroptosis. Meanwhile, AS-IV triggered the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and alleviated ferroptosis due to the induction of stroke. Conclusion: Hence, the findings of this research illustrate that AS-IV administration can improve delayed ischemic neurological deficits and decrease neuronal death by modulating nuroinflammation and ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Ulinastatin alleviates early brain injury after traumatic brain injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major public health problem and cause of death. Ulinastatin (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect and play a role in immunoregulation and organ protection by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the neuroprotective of UTI in TBI has not been confirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and potential molecular mechanisms of UTI in TBI-induced EBI in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Methods: The neurological score and brain water content were evaluated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, ROS and malondialdehyde detection to evaluate oxidative stress levels, and TUNEL staining and western blotting to examine neuronal damages and their related mechanisms. Results: Treatment with UTI markedly increased the neurological score; alleviated brain oedema; decreased the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor a, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) levels; inhibited oxidative stress; decreased caspase-3 and Bax protein expressions; and increased the Bcl-2 levels, indicating that UTI-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis ameliorated neuronal death after TBI. The neuroprotective capacity of UTI is partly dependent on the TLR4/NF-kB/p65 signalling pathway. Conclusions: Therefore, this study reveals that UTI improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in cattle submitted to emergency slaughter

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of stress in bovines submitted to emergency slaughter caused by lengthy transportation to slaughterhouses in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Blood collections were performed individually during exsanguinations.Tissue samples were obtained after evisceration on the slaughter line. The animals were divided into the Experimental Group (EG), with 19 bovines destined for immediate emergency slaughter, and the Control Group (CG), with 24 bovines slaughtered normally at the abattoir flow. The EG showed lower values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, neutrophilia with band neutrophils, and lymphopenia. Hyperalbuminemia, high levels of total proteins, glucose, and creatinine, and lower urea levels were observed in the EG. The globulins were equal between the groups. Histopathology revealed hepatocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm (87.5% of the cases) and liver congestion (83.33%). Interstitial emphysema (95.65%), alveolar emphysema (65.21%), and congestion (52.17%) were observed in the lungs. The kidneys showed congestion (80.95%) and hyaline casts (100%). The spleens showed rarefaction in the white (70%) and red pulp (65%), in addition to hemosiderosis (10%). This suggests that the animals transported over long distances are submitted to severe stress, with water and food deprivation, resulting in hematological and biochemical changes, with histological lesions and serious bruises affecting the musculoskeletal system. There is loss of homeostasis, severe debilitation, with destination for emergency slaughter with the conditional use of meat for consumption.(AU)

Cerebrolysin alleviates early brain injury after traumatic brain injury by inhibiting neuroinflammation and apoptosis via TLR signaling pathway

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability. Cerebrolysin (CBL) has been reported to be anti-inflammatory by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the neuroprotection of CBL in TBI and the potential mechanism are unclear. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and mechanisms of CBL in TBI. Methods: The TBI model was established in strict accordance with the Feeney weight-drop model of focal injury. The neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, and neuronal damage were evaluated. The involvement of the early brain injury modulatory pathway was also investigated. Results: Following TBI, the results showed that CBL administration increased neurological scores and decreased brain edema by alleviating blood­brain barrier (BBB) permeability, upregulating tight junction protein (ZO­1) levels, and decreasing the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor­α (TNF­α), interleukin­1ß (IL­1ß), IL­6, and NF­κB. The TUNEL assay showed that CBL decreased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis after TBI and decreased the protein expression levels of caspase­3 and Bax, increasing the levels of Bcl­2. The levels of Toll­like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 were significantly decreased after CBL treatment. In TBI patients, CBL can also decrease TNF­α, IL­1ß, IL­6, and NF­κB levels. This result indicates that CBL­mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation and apoptosis ameliorated neuronal death after TBI. The neuroprotective capacity of CBL is partly dependent on the TLR signaling pathway. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this study indicate that CBL can improve neurological outcomes and reduce neuronal death against neuroinflammation and apoptosis via the TLR signaling pathway in mice.

The neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli in traumatic brain injury rats by anti-apoptosis mechanism

Purpose: To explore the neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli (LTKL) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and detect the related mechanism. Methods: TBI model was established with LTKL administration (2 and 4 g/kg/d, p.o.). Motor function of rats was examined by Rotarod test. Nissl staining was used to show neuron morphology. Furthermore, the disease-medicine common targets were obtained with the network pharmacology and analyzed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Lastly, the predicted targets were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: After LTKL administration, neural behavior was significantly improved, and the number of spared neurons in brain was largely increased. Moreover, 68 bioactive compounds were identified, corresponding to 148 LTKL targets; 2,855 genes were closely associated with TBI, of which 87 overlapped with the LTKL targets and were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Functional enrichment analysis suggested LTKL exerted its pharmacological effects in TBI by modulating multiple pathways including apoptosis, inflammation, etc. Lastly, we found LTKL administration could increase the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of Bax and caspase-3. Conclusions: This study reported the neuroprotective effect of LTKL against TBI is accompanied with anti-apoptosis mechanism, which provides a scientific explanation for the clinical application of LTKL in the treatment of TBI.

Effects of transport on water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): factors associated with the frequency of skin injuries and meat quality

It is well known that transporting livestock is stressful for the animals and a primary cause of skin lesions. The effects of transport on the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have not been studied extensively despite reports of high incidences of trauma during and after these mobilizations. The present review article analyzes the frequency of skin injuries suffered by water buffaloes during transport and several key contributing factors. It also discusses the consequences of injuries on the quality of carcasses. Important aspects identified include inappropriate vehicle design that does not comply with the dimensions recommended by international institutions (e.g., height, type of flooring, characteristics of the ramp), handling methods, and the ability of stock people to manage water buffaloes, all of which impact the incidence of injuries. Our analysis of these elements will contribute to identifying critical control points and areas of opportunity while also suggesting strategies to ensure the welfare of these animals during transport and the quality of water buffalo products and by-products.

Potential influences of expression levels of MFGE8 and HMGB1 on the intestinal mucosal barrier function and inflammatory response after blunt abdominal injury in rats

Purpose: To explore the influence of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (MFGE8) on blunt abdominal injury in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Methods: The blunt abdominal injury model was generated in SD rats. A total of 44 rats was randomly assigned into three groups. Rat blunt abdominal injury was assessed by the abbreviated injury scale (AIS). The rats were sacrificed for observing the morphology of the abdominal cavity and intestines. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to visualize the pathological changes of rat intestines. Positive expressions of MFGE8 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rat intestines were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Protein levels were determined by Western blot. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1ß, IL-6 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Blunt abdominal injury resulted in inflammatory response of intestinal tissues, increased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MDA, upregulation of HMGB1, RhoA and ROCK2, and downregulation of MFGE8 in rats, which were significantly alleviated by intervention of rhMFGE8. Conclusions: MFGE8 protects the intestinal mucosal barrier function after blunt abdominal injury in rats by downregulating HMGB1. Moreover, it alleviates inflammatory response and oxidative stress caused by blunt abdominal injury in rats through downregulating RhoA and ROCK.

Ulinastatin alleviates early brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation via ROS/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still a major public health problem, with high mortality and disability. Ulinastatin (UTI) was purified from human urine and has been reported to be anti-inflammatory, organ protective, and antioxidative stress. However, the neuroprotection of UTI in ICH has not been confirmed, and the potential mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and potential molecular mechanisms of UTI in ICH-induced early brain injury in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Methods: The neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative stress levels, and neuronal damage were evaluated. Results: UTI treatment markedly increased the neurological score, alleviated brain edema, decreased the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and NF-κB, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and upregulated the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Nrf2. This finding indicated that UTI-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress alleviated neuronal damage after ICH. The neuroprotective capacity of UTI is partly dependent on the ROS/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Conclusions: UTI improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

The use of occlusive dressings: influence on excisional wound healing in animal model

Purpose: To analyze the influence of occlusive dressing on the healing of excisional skin wounds in mice. Methods: Pre-clinical, comparative, and translational study. Mice were divided into three experimental groups: wounds occluded with hydrocolloid (HD) dressings, transparent polyurethane film (TF) dressings, and without occlusion (WO), monitored at three, six and 14 days, with eight animals each. Closure rate, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, measurement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and, histologically, angiogenesis were evaluated. Results: Wound closure was accelerated in the occlusive groups. There was a decrease in TNF-α levels in the HD group when compared to the WO and TF groups. Neutrophils accumulation decreased in the HD group. Increased dosages of macrophages were evidenced in the HD group, compared to the WO and TF groups. Levels of VEGF were increased in the TF and HD groups. Conclusions: It is suggested that the occlusion of wounds modulates the inflammatory response.

Ulinastatin alleviates early brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting necroptosis and neuroinflammation via MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major public health problem with a huge economic burden worldwide. Ulinastatin (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, has been reported to be anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, and organ protection by reducing reactive oxygen species production, and inflammation. Necroptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a vital role in neuronal cell death after ICH. However, the neuroprotection of UTI in ICH has not been confirmed, and the potential mechanism is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotection and potential molecular mechanisms of UTI in ICH-induced EBI in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Methods: The neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, and neuronal damage were evaluated. The anti-inflammation effectiveness of UTI in ICH patients also was evaluated. Results: UTI treatment markedly increased the neurological score, alleviate the brain edema, decreased the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, interleukin­1ß (IL­1ß), IL­6, NF­κB levels, and RIP1/RIP3, which indicated that UTI-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation, and necroptosis alleviated neuronal damage after ICH. UTI also can decrease the inflammatory cytokine of ICH patients. The neuroprotective capacity of UTI is partly dependent on the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: UTI improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural neuroinflammation, and necroptosis.

Simplified vacuum dressing system: effectiveness and safety in wounds management

Purpose: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized wound care, but its high cost reduces the procedure's availability. To solve the problem, streamlined vacuum dressings systems have been proposed, but the utility of these devices has been poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate a simplified vacuum dressing system model (SVDM). Methods: Randomized clinical trial in which wounds were treated with SVDM compared to a complex occlusive dressing (silver hydrofiber, SHF). The analyzed outcomes were cleaning, presence of granulation tissue, clinical appearance, and indication for surgical closure of wounds. Results: Fifty injuries were treated (25 in each group), most located on lower limbs. SVDM proved to be more effective than SHF in the evaluated outcomes. Wound recalcitrance reduced the effectiveness of the equipment used. Despite its efficacy, complications occurred, the most frequent related to dressing changes: minor bleeding, foam adherence to a wound bed, and pain. Only for bleeding no favorable risk-benefit ratio was found. There were no severe complications, worsening conditions of injuries, or deaths. Conclusions: SVDM proved to be an effective and acceptably safe device for managing studied wounds.

Pre-copulatory bite wounds as evidence of aggressive competition for mating in the neotropical freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro / Lesões por mordidas pré-copulatórias como evidência de competição agressiva para acasalar na raia de água doce neotropical Potamotrygon motoro

Reproductive aspects of Amazonian freshwater stingrays are still poorly studied, however, it is known that the copulatory behavior in some species is related to the hydrometric seasons (high and low water). In order to assess the reproductive activity prior to copulation, we examined bite wounds in Potamotrygon motoro of Catalão Lake, in Amazonas state, Brazil. Specimens of both sexes showed wounds on the pectoral fins. Males presented a large amount of bite wounds, distributed randomly throughout the body, while females had more bite wounds on the posterior region. The higher number of wounds in males is assumed to indicate aggressive interactions among males in competition for females, caused by attempts to prevent other males from mating with the target female. The behavior is likely owed to the confinement of the stingrays in the lake during the low-water period.(AU)

Os aspectos reprodutivos das raias de água doce ainda são pouco estudados, no entanto, sabe-se que algumas espécies apresentam comportamento de cópula relacionado com as estações hidrométricas (águas altas e baixas). Com o intuito de avaliar as atividades reprodutivas que antecedem a cópula, nós examinamos as lesões por mordidas em Potamotrygon motoro do Lago Catalão, Amazonas. Espécimes de ambos os sexos apresentaram lesões nas nadadeiras peitorais. Os machos apresentaram uma maior quantidade de mordidas distribuídas aleatoriamente por todo o corpo, enquanto as fêmeas apresentaram mais lesões de mordidas na região posterior. Acreditamos que o maior número de lesões nos machos indica interações agressivas entre os machos em competição por fêmeas, causada por tentativas de impedir outros machos de acasalar com a fêmea alvo. Tal comportamento provavelmente deve-se ao confinamento das raias no lago durante o período de águas baixas.(AU)

Characterization and frequency of foot injuries and foot-related lameness in a sheep herd with prophylactic measures for foot-related diseases / Caracterização e frequência de lesões podais e da claudicação em rebanho ovino com medidas profiláticas de doenças podais

Foot lesions in sheep herds are responsible for great economic losses, because pain during locomotion interferes with feeding and behavior, leading productivity losses. The objective of this work was to describe the main foot disease found in sheep herd that uses prophylactic measures against foot diseases. A total of 346 ewes of different ages, with or without lameness, were assessed for the presence of foot lesions in all limbs, digits and adjacent structures. Among all the 2768 digits evaluated, 103 (29.76%) had lesions, representing 1.04 lesion per animal. 41.75% (43/103) had only one lesion, 39.81% (41/103) had two lesions, 16 (15.53%) had three lesions, and only 2.91% (3/103) had four or more lesions. Hind limbs were the most affected and the most frequent diseases were white line disease (40.05%), interdigital dermatitis (33.70%) and footrot (12.15%). It was concluded that foot disease in sheep is frequent and constitute a health problem for herds, even on farms that use strategies to prevent it. Therefore, it is essential to classify the lesions, as well as the adoption of effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures.

Lesões podais em ovinos são responsáveis por grandes perdas econômicas, pois a dor durante a locomoção interfere na alimentação e no comportamento, levando à perda de produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as principais doenças podais encontradas em rebanho ovino, que utiliza medidas profiláticas contra as doenças podais. Foram examinadas 346 ovelhas quanto à presença de lesões podais em todos os membros, dígitos e estruturas adjacentes. Entre os 2.768 dígitos avaliados, 103 (29,76%) apresentavam lesões, representando 1,04 lesões por animal. 41,75% (43/103) apresentavam apenas uma lesão, 39,81% (41/103) tinham duas lesões, 16 (15,53%) tinham três lesões, e apenas três animais apresentavam quatro ou mais lesões. Os membros posteriores foram os mais afetados e as doenças mais frequentes foram a doença da linha branca (40,05%), dermatite interdigital (33,70%) e footrot (12,15%). Pode-se concluir que as lesões podais em ovinos são frequentes e constituem um problema sanitário para os rebanhos, mesmo em propriedade que realiza medidas profiláticas. Portanto, é fundamental classificar as lesões, assim como adotar as medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas eficazes.

The effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract on acrylamideinduced brain injury in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been shown in the pathogenesis of acrylamide neurotoxicity. Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRE) has a cytoprotective effect by stabilizing the production of ROS, IL-1β and TNF-α. The objective of the article was to investigate the effect of HRE on acrylamide-induced brain damage in rats biochemically and histopathologically. Methods: To the HRE+acrylamide only (ACR) group (n=6) of the animals, HRE was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg / kg into the stomach by gavage. The same volume of solvent (olive oil) was administered orally to the ACR (n=6) and healthy (HG) (n=6) groups. One hour after HRE administration, acrylamide was given orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg to HRE+ACR and ACR groups in the same way. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, brain tissues extracted from animals killed with 50 mg/kg thiopental anesthesia were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Results: It has been shown that HRE prevents the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β and TNF-α with acrylamide and the decrease of total glutathione (tGSH) and glutathione reductase (GSHRd) levels in brain tissue. Conclusions: HRE may be useful in the treatment of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

Assessing climate change effects on gladiola in Southern Brazil

Gladiola ( Gladiolus × grandiflorus Hort.) is an important cut flower for small farmers in Brazil. While the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which causes interannual variability to air temperature in Southern Brazil, can shift the optimum planting window of gladiola, an increase in temperature due to climate change can accelerate gladiola flowering and cause injuries by heat. The objective of this study was to assess the potential climate change effects on gladiola optimum planting date for specific market dates and investigate injuries occurrence on spikes in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Field experiments were conducted from 2016 to 2018 at four different locations across the Rio Grande do Sul State to evaluate the performance of the PhenoGlad model in simulating the developmental stages of gladiola. The PhenoGlad model was run on climate scenarios of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) named RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The climate change scenarios caused a delay in the optimum planting date to harvest gladiola for All Souls’ Day across the Rio Grande do Sul State. For harvesting spikes for Mother’s Day, negative anomalies (earliest planting date) occurred in the warmest regions, because the very high temperature extended the crop development. Injuries by heat on spikes reached positive anomalies in 70 % of the years in the warmest regions for scenario RCP8.5. To harvest spikes for Mother’s Day, heat injury did not exceed 20 % of the years. Mitigation strategies for farmers to deal with climate change and keep their gladiola production include adjusting the optimum planting date.

Hydrogen-rich saline alleviates early brain injury through regulating of ER stress and autophagy after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

ABSTRACT Purpose: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common complication of cerebral vascular disease. Hydrogen has been reported to alleviate early brain injury (EBI) through oxidative stress injury, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and autophagy. Autophagy is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a vital role in neuronal cell death after SAH. However, the precise role of autophagy in hydrogen-mediated neuroprotection following SAH has not been confirmed. Methods: In the present study, the objective was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and potential molecular mechanisms of hydrogen-rich saline in SAH-induced EBI by regulating neural autophagy in the C57BL/6 mice model. Mortality, neurological score, brain water content, ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and neuronal death were evaluated. Results: The results show that hydrogen-rich saline treatment markedly increased the survival rate and neurological score, increased neuron survival, downregulated the autophagy protein expression of Beclin-1 and LC3, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. That indicates that hydrogen-rich saline-mediated inhibition of autophagy and ER stress ameliorate neuronal death after SAH. The neuroprotective capacity of hydrogen-rich saline is partly dependent on the ROS/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that hydrogen-rich saline improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural autophagy and ER stress.

Assessing climate change effects on gladiola in Southern Brazil

Gladiola ( Gladiolus × grandiflorus Hort.) is an important cut flower for small farmers in Brazil. While the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which causes interannual variability to air temperature in Southern Brazil, can shift the optimum planting window of gladiola, an increase in temperature due to climate change can accelerate gladiola flowering and cause injuries by heat. The objective of this study was to assess the potential climate change effects on gladiola optimum planting date for specific market dates and investigate injuries occurrence on spikes in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Field experiments were conducted from 2016 to 2018 at four different locations across the Rio Grande do Sul State to evaluate the performance of the PhenoGlad model in simulating the developmental stages of gladiola. The PhenoGlad model was run on climate scenarios of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) named RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The climate change scenarios caused a delay in the optimum planting date to harvest gladiola for All Souls Day across the Rio Grande do Sul State. For harvesting spikes for Mothers Day, negative anomalies (earliest planting date) occurred in the warmest regions, because the very high temperature extended the crop development. Injuries by heat on spikes reached positive anomalies in 70 % of the years in the warmest regions for scenario RCP8.5. To harvest spikes for Mothers Day, heat injury did not exceed 20 % of the years. Mitigation strategies for farmers to deal with climate change and keep their gladiola production include adjusting the optimum planting date.(AU)

The effect of mild hypothermia plus rutin on the treatment of spinal cord injury and inflammatory factors by repressing TGF-beta/smad pathway

Purpose: To probe the mechanism of mild hypothermia combined with rutin in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Thirty rats were randomized into the following groups: control, sham, model, mild hypothermia (MH), and mild hypothermia plus rutin (MH+Rutin). We used modified Allens method to injure the spinal cord (T10) in rats, and then treated it with MH or/ and rutin immediately. BBB scores were performed on all rats. We used HE staining for observing the injured spinal cord tissue; ELISA for assaying TNF-alfa, IL-1beta, IL-8, Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents; Dihydroethidium (DHE) for measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content; flow cytometry for detecting apoptosis; and both RT-qPCR and Western blot for determining the expression levels of TGF-beta/Smad pathway related proteins (TGF-beta, Smad2, and Smad3). Results: In comparison with model group, the BBB score of MH increased to a certain extent and MH+Rutin group increased more than MH group (p < 0.05). After treatment with MH and MH+Rutin, the inflammatory infiltration diminished. MH and MH+Rutin tellingly dwindled TNF-alfa, MDA and ROS contents (p < 0.01), and minified spinal cord cell apoptosis. MH and MH+Rutin could patently diminished TGF-beta1, Smad2, and Smad3 expression (p < 0.01). Conclusion: MH+Rutin can suppress the activation of TGF-beta/Smad pathway, hence repressing the cellular inflammatory response after SCI.(AU)

Manejo pré-abate de bovinos e ocorrência de contusões na carcaça / Pre-slaughter handling of cattle and occurrence of bruising in carcass

Uma carne de qualidade está intrinsecamente relacionada ao bem-estar animal que, por sua vez, depende de um manejo adequado que minimize o estresse durante as várias etapas de pré-abate. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo acompanhar o manejo de bovinos antes do embarque na fazenda até o momento do abate e verificar a ocorrência de hematomas e contusões nas carcaças desses animais. O estudo foi realizado em uma fazenda situada no município de Miranda, no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e em um abatedouro frigorífico sob Inspeção Federal localizado no município de Anastácio-MS. Durante o período de agosto a outubro de 2017, realizou-se o acompanhamento de bovinos Nelore castrados, de um mesmo lote, desde o embarque dos animais na fazenda até o momento do abate. Dos 100 animais abatidos, 52 (52%) apresentaram hematomas na carcaça. A ocorrência de hematomas nas meias carcaças foi maior no quarto traseiro (66,19%) em comparação com o quarto dianteiro (33,81%). No quarto traseiro foram encontradas lesões na região do vazio e na região do quarto. Quanto ao quarto dianteiro, foram encontradas lesões na região da costela e na região da tábua do pescoço. A implementação do conceito de bem-estar nas práticas de manejo pré-abate e nas instalações da propriedade são necessárias, assegurando a qualidade de vida dos animais, minimizando perdas por lesões e obtendo uma carne de boa qualidade microbiológica, físico-química e sensorial.

Quality meat is intrinsically related to animal welfare, which in turn depends on proper management that minimizes stress during the various pre-slaughter stages. Thus, the central objective of the present study was to follow the cattle before shipment for slaughter and to verify the occurrence of hematomas and bruises on the carcasses of these animals. The study was conducted in a farm located in Miranda, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), and in a slaughterhouse under Federal Inspection in Anastácio-MS. Of the 100 slaughtered animals, 52 (52%) showed bruising on the carcass. The occurrence of hematomas in the half carcasses was higher in the hindquarter (66,19%) compared to the forequarter (33,81%). In the hindquarter, lesions were found in the region of the flank and in the region of the quarter. As for the forequarter, injuries were found in the rib region and in the neck board region. There is a need to implement the concept of welfare within the pre-slaughter handling practices and farm facilities, ensuring the quality of life of the animals, minimizing losses from injuries, and obtaining a meat of good microbiological, physicochemical, and visual quality.

The neuroprotection of cerebrolysin after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage through regulates necroptosis via Akt/ GSK3B signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Purpose: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of death and disability with a huge economic burden worldwide. Cerebrolysin (CBL) has been previously used as a nootropic drug. Necroptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that plays a vital role in neuronal cell death after ICH. However, the precise role of necroptosis in CBL neuroprotection following ICH has not been confirmed. Methods: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and potential molecular mechanisms of CBL in ICH-induced early brain injury (EBI) by regulating neural necroptosis in the C57BL/6 mice model. Mortality, neurological score, brain water content, and neuronal death were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Evans blue extravasation, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results show that CBL treatment markedly increased the survival rate, neurological score, and neuron survival, and downregulated the protein expression of RIP1 and RIP3, which indicated that CBL-mediated inhibition of necroptosis, and ameliorated neuronal death after ICH. The neuroprotective capacity of CBL is partly dependent on the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Conclusions: CBL improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural necroptosis.