Increasing levels of calcium salts of palm fatty acids affect production responses during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods in dairy cows.

Our objective was to determine the dose-response effects of calcium salts of palm fatty acids (CSPF) on nutrient digestibility and production responses of early-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pastures and to evaluate carryover effects throughout mid and late lactation. Forty multiparous dairy cows (Jersey × Holstein) with (mean ± standard error of the mean) 20 ± 1.69 kg of milk/d and 20 ± 5.0 d in milk were used in a randomized complete block design. During the treatment period, all cows were kept in a grazing system. The treatments were offered for 90 d (treatment period) and consisted of 4 increasing levels of CSPF: 0 (0 kg/d), 0.2 (0.2 kg/d), 0.4 (0.4 kg/d), and 0.6 (0.6 kg/d). Each treatment had 10 animals. Increasing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d replaced an equivalent amount of a corn-based concentrate supplement offered at 10 kg/d on an as-fed basis (8.96 kg/d as a dry matter basis). All cows were housed and received a diet without fat inclusion fed as total mixed ration once a day from 91 to 258 d of the experiment (carryover period). During the treatment period, increasing CSPF linearly decreased dry matter intake (1.20 kg/d), linearly increased neutral detergent fiber digestibility (3.90 percentage units), and quadratically increased total fat digestibility (6.30 percentage units at 0.4 kg/d CSPF). Increasing CSPF linearly increased the yields of milk (4.10 kg/d), milk fat (0.11 kg/d), milk lactose (0.19 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (ECM; 3.30 kg/d), and feed efficiency (ECM/dry matter intake, 0.34 kg/kg), and linearly decreased milk protein content (0.38 g/100 g), body weight change (0.05 kg/d), and body condition score (0.37). We observed interactions between CSPF and time during the carryover period. Overall, CSPF supplementation linearly increased or tended to increase milk yield until 202 d of the experiment with a similar pattern observed for all the other yield variables. In conclusion, supplementing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d during 90 d increased neutral detergent fiber and total fat digestibility and the yields of milk, milk fat, and ECM in early-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pastures. Most production measurements linearly increased during the treatment period, indicating that 0.6 kg/d CSPF was the best dose. Also, supplementing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d for 90 d during early lactation had positive carryover effects across mid and late lactation.

Effect of kernel processing and particle size of whole-plant corn silage with vitreous endosperm on dairy cow performance.

Kernel processing and theoretical length of cut (TLOC) of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) can affect feed intake, digestibility, and performance of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate for lactating dairy cows the effects of kernel processing and TLOC of WPCS with vitreous endosperm. The treatments were a pull-type forage harvester without kernel processor set for a 6-mm TLOC (PT6) and a self-propelled forage harvester with kernel processor set for a 6-mm TLOC (SP6), 12-mm TLOC (SP12), and 18-mm TLOC (SP18). Processing scores of the WPCS were 32.1% (PT6), 53.9% (SP6), 49.0% (SP12), and 40.1% (SP18). Twenty-four Holstein cows (139 ± 63 d in milk) were blocked and assigned to six 4 × 4 Latin squares with 24-d periods (18 d of adaptation). Diets were formulated to contain 48.5% WPCS, 15.5% citrus pulp, 15.0% dry ground corn, 9.5% soybean meal, 6.8% low rumen degradability soybean meal, 1.8% calcium soap of palm fatty acids (FA), 1.7% mineral and vitamin mix, and 1% urea (dry matter basis). Nutrient composition of the diets (% of dry matter) was 16.5% crude protein, 28.9% neutral detergent fiber, and 25.4% starch. Three orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatments: effect of kernel processing (PT6 vs. SP6) and effect of TLOC (particle size; SP6 vs. SP12 and SP12 vs. SP18). Cows fed SP6 produced 1.2 kg/d greater milk yield with no changes in dry matter intake, resulting in greater feed efficiency compared with PT6. Cows fed SP6 also produced more milk protein (+36 g/d), lactose (+61 g/d), and total solids (+94 g/d) than cows fed PT6. The mechanism for increased yield of milk and milk components involved greater kernel fragmentation, starch digestibility, and glucose availability for lactose synthesis by the mammary gland. However, cows fed SP6 had lower chewing time and tended to have greater levels of serum amyloid A compared with PT6. Milk yield was similar for SP6 and SP12, but SP12 cows tended to have less serum amyloid A with greater chewing time. Cows fed SP18 had lower total-tract starch digestibility and tended to have lower plasma glucose and produce less milk compared with cows fed SP12. Compared with PT6, feeding SP6 raised linear odd-chain FA concentration in milk. Similarly, a reduction of these same FA occurred for SP12 compared with SP6. Cows fed SP6 had greater proportion of milk C14:1 and C16:1 compared with PT6 and SP12. Lesser trans C18:1 followed by greater C18:0 concentrations were observed for SP12 and PT6 compared with SP6, which is an indication of more complete biohydrogenation in the rumen. Under the conditions of this study, the use of a self-propelled forage harvester with kernel processing set for a 12-mm TLOC is recommended for WPCS from hybrids with vitreous endosperm.

Using mathematical models to describe aerial dispersal and silk ball formation of peanut red spider mite, Tetranychus ogmophallos (Acari: Tetranychidae).

Peanut red spider mite, Tetranychus ogmophallos, exhibits a peculiar dispersal behavior using silk balls, which involves clustering of mites and spinning of webs at the top of plants. Such a dispersal mechanism has not been studied for this species yet. Therefore, this study aimed at using mathematical models to describe aerial dispersal and silk ball formation of peanut red spider mite on peanut plants. The influence of wind speed, generated by a wind tunnel, on the dispersal of mites was studied in two experiments, one with 500 mites per plant and one with 1000 mites per plant, and six wind speeds (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 km h-1) for each mite density. The proportion of displaced mites and the distance they were blown were measured. Another series of experiments considered the formation of silk balls to assess how fast balls were formed as a function of time and the number of mites present on a peanut plant. Data from the wind tunnel experiments were analyzed by logistic regression and multiple regression to assess the proportion of displaced mites and the distance moved, respectively, as functions of wind speed and the initial density of mites on the donor plant. The distribution of dispersal distances from the donor plant was fitted by a mathematical model proposed by Ricker (J Fish Res Board Can 11:559-623, 1954). The number of mites moving upwards on a plant to be involved in silk ball formation was modeled as a function of time based on the initial number of spider mites and their estimated birth, death and movement rates per capita. Logistic regression was used to analyze the presence of balls as a function of time elapsed since a plant was infested with spider mites. Finally, non-linear regression was applied to link ball size to the total number of mites occupying the ball. The data analyses revealed that wind speed had a significant positive effect on take-off probability and distance moved by individual mites, whereas mite density had little influence. Ricker's model adequately described the distribution of dispersal distances. The models describing silk ball formation also described data very well. Ball size was found to increase almost linearly with the number of mites found in the ball. We expect that the knowledge provided by the present study will help to develop efficient management strategies against T. ogmophallos in peanut crops as dispersal seems to be a key factor in the species' capability to become a serious pest.

Detection of rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus 2 during the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) eradication from the Berlengas archipelago, Portugal.

BACKGROUND: In the regular wildlife monitoring action carried out in the summer of the past few years at the Berlenga Island, wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been repeatedly found dead. However, the origin of those deaths was never investigated. Our aim was to investigate the cause of death of 11 rabbits collected between April and May 2016. RESULTS: While screening samples from rabbit carcasses for the major viral rabbit pathogens, five tested positive to RHDV2 but all were negative for RHDV and myxoma virus (MYXV). For six RHDV2-negative specimens, emaciation and parasitism were considered the most probable cause of death. Lesions identified in the RHDV2-positive rabbits included non-suppurative diffuse hepatic necrosis and pulmonary lesions varying from congestion and oedema of the lungs to interstitial pneumonia. Sequencing analysis of the vp60 gene obtained from two specimens showed identical vp60 sequences. Comparison with other known RHDV2 strains from public databases through BLAST analysis revealed a closer similarity with strains from Alentejo collected during 2013. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis showed that the 2016 strains from the archipelago have a higher resemblance with a group of strains mostly collected in the South of Portugal between 2013 and 2014. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that RHDV2 may have been introduced on the Berlenga Island a few years ago, having evolved separately from mainland strains due to insularity.

High intake of heterocyclic amines from meat is associated with oxidative stress.

High meat intake has been related to chronic diseases such as cancer and CVD. One hypothesis is that heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are formed during the cooking process of meat, can generate reactive species. These compounds can cause oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, resulting in oxidative stress, cell damage and loss of biological function. This association has been seen in vitro; however, it remains unclear in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between oxidative stress and HCA intake, and oxidative stress and meat intake. Data were from the Health Survey for Sao Paulo--ISA-Capital (561 adult and elderly). Food intake was estimated by one 24-h dietary recall (24HR) complemented by a detailed FFQ with preferences of cooking methods and level of doneness for meat. HCA intake was estimated linking the meat from the 24HR to a database of HCA. Oxidative stress was estimated by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the plasma, after derivatisation with thiobarbituric acid and quantification by HPLC/diode array. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regressions adjusted for smoking, sex, age, BMI, skin colour, energy intake, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. A positive association between HCA intake and MDA concentration (OR 1·17; 95% CI 1·01, 1·38) was observed, showing that HCA from meat may contribute to increase oxidative stress, and may consequently increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Periodontitis increases vascular cyclooxygenase-2: potential effect on vascular tone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces a systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme in the inflammatory process and is responsible for prostacyclin production. We hypothesised that in periodontitis, an increase in vascular COX-2 expression may occur, which in turn may have a role in vascular homeostasis. Thus, we evaluated the vascular effects of COX-2 inhibition in an experimental rat model of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced in rats by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of the mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars. Sham-operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure. Mesenteric vessels were obtained for the study of COX-2 expression, and blood samples were collected for nitric oxide quantification. In another set of experiments, animals received etoricoxib (10 mg/kg/d, v.o.) or vehicle, and alveolar bone loss and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed an increase in COX-2 expression in mesenteric vessels harvested from animals with periodontitis, which was accompanied by a reduction in nitric oxide content. Etoricoxib treatment impaired the endothelium-dependent reduction in blood pressure in rats with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis increases vascular COX-2 expression, which is important in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis in this model. Despite the limitations of an animal study, these findings may have important implications regarding the safety of using selective COX-2 inhibitors in patients with periodontitis.

The effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function leading to increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. Eight days after the procedure, the ligature and sham groups were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin or vehicle once a day until the 14th day, when the effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on blood pressure were evaluated. Blood samples were collected and evaluated for plasma interleukin-6C, -reactive protein and lipids. The maxilla and mandible were removed for bone loss analysis. RESULTS: Simvastatin treatment reduced systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. Furthermore, simvastatin improved the blood lipid profile and reduced alveolar bone loss. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin treatment, in addition to the improvement on serum lipid profile, may reduce other predictors of cardiovascular events associated with periodontitis.

Effect of protein supplementation on milk production and metabolism of dairy cows grazing tropical grass.

The objectives of this study were to determine if midlactation dairy cows (Bos taurus L.) grazing intensively managed elephantgrass would have their protein requirement met exclusively with the pasture and an energy concentrate, making the use of protein ingredients unnecessary, as well as to determine the dietary crude protein (CP) content that would optimize the efficiency of N utilization (ENU). Thirty-three Holstein and crossbred (Holstein × Jersey) midlactation dairy cows, producing approximately 20 kg/d, were grouped within breed into 11 blocks according to milk yield and days in milk. Within blocks, cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments and remained in the study for 11 wk. The control treatment contained only finely ground corn, minerals, and vitamins, and it was formulated to be 8.7% CP. Two higher levels of CP (formulated to be 13.4 and 18.1%) were achieved by replacing corn with solvent-extracted soybean meal (SSBM). Pasture was fertilized with 50 kg of N/ha after each grazing cycle and averaged 18.5% CP (dry matter basis). No differences were observed in milk yield or milk fat, protein, and casein content or casein yield. In addition, pasture intake was not different among treatments. Milk urea N increased linearly as the concentrate CP content increased. Cows fed the 8.7% CP concentrate had higher ENU. In another experiment, 4 ruminally cannulated Holstein dry cows were used in a metabolism trial designed in a 4×4 Latin square. Cows were fed the same treatments described as well as a fourth treatment with 13.4% CP in the concentrate, in which urea replaced SSBM as the main N source. Ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration and microbial synthesis were not affected by levels or sources of N in the concentrate. Ruminal NH(3)N content increased as the concentrate CP content increased. Inclusion of SSBM in the concentrate did not increase production and decreased the ENU of midlactation dairy cows grazing on tropical forage. Supplementation of an 8.7% CP concentrate, resulting in a diet with CP levels between 15.3 and 15.7% of dry matter, was sufficient to meet the protein requirements of such milk production, with the highest ENU (18.4%).

Performance of dairy cows fed high levels of acetic acid or ethanol.

Ethanol and acetic acid are common end products from silages. The main objective of this study was to determine whether high concentrations of ethanol or acetic acid in total mixed ration would affect performance in dairy cows. Thirty mid-lactation Holstein cows were grouped in 10 blocks and fed one of the following diets for 7 wk: (1) control (33% Bermuda hay + 67% concentrates), (2) ethanol [control diet + 5% ethanol, dry matter (DM) basis], or (3) acetic acid (control diet + 5% acetic acid, DM basis). Ethanol and acetic acid were diluted in water (1:2) and sprayed onto total mixed rations twice daily before feeding. An equal amount of water was mixed with the control ration. To adapt animals to these treatments, cows were fed only half of the treatment dose during the first week of study. Cows fed ethanol yielded more milk (37.9 kg/d) than those fed the control (35.8 kg/d) or acetic acid (35.3 kg/d) diets, mainly due to the higher DM intake (DMI; 23.7, 22.2, and 21.6 kg/d, respectively). The significant diet × week interaction for DMI, mainly during wk 2 and 3 (when acetic acid reached the full dose), was related to the decrease in DMI observed for the acetic acid treatment. There was a diet × week interaction in excretion of milk energy per DMI during wk 2 and 3, due to cows fed acetic acid sustained milk yield despite lower DMI. Energy efficiency was similar across diets. Blood metabolites (glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids, ethanol, and γ-glutamyl transferase activity) and sensory characteristics of milk were not affected by these treatments. Animal performance suggested similar energy value for the diet containing ethanol compared with other diets. Rumen conversion of ethanol to acetate and a concomitant increase in methane production might be a plausible explanation for the deviation of the predicted energy value based on the heat of combustion. Therefore, the loss of volatile compounds during the drying process in the laboratory should be considered when calculating energy content of fermented feedstuffs.

Genetic and morphological identification of filarial worm from Iberian hare in Portugal.

The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula and the only hare species found in Portugal, although also being present in some areas of Spain. The reduction of wild hare populations due to several ecological and sanitary factors, has been raising growing concerns in the recent years. Despite different helminth species were already described in Iberian hares in Portugal, to this date, no filarial worms have been identified in this species. Furthermore, only a few studies on lagomorphs' onchocercid worms are available, referring to other hosts species of hares and/or rabbits. In this study, we describe the presence of filarial worms in the blood vessels of two adult Iberian hares collected in 2019 in continental Portugal. Morphology and sequencing data from the 12S rRNA, coxI, 18S rRNA, myoHC, hsp70 and rbp1 genes, showed that the filaroid species were genetically related with Micipsella numidica. However, the extension of the genetic differences found with M. numidica suggests that the filaroids specimens under study belong to a new species, that we provisionally named Micipsella iberica n. sp.. The body location of this putative new parasite species and its physiological implications indicate that it may constitute a potential menace to the already fragile Iberian hare justifying, therefore, further investigation regarding the morphological characterization, prevalence and real clinical impact of this new parasite in hares.

Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae among children in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the primary pathogens that are associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI) that cause high rates of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal colonization, the antimicrobial resistance profile, and the capacity for biofilm formation by S. pneumoniae isolated from children aged 0-6 years with ARI throughout the Porto Velho-RO. A total of 660 swabs were collected from children with ARI. Molecular and biochemical tests were performed to characterize the isolates. The disk-difusion method and the E-test were used for antimicrobial sensitivity testing (TSA). Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using microtiter plate assays, and serotype detection was acheived using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. The colonization rate for S. pneumoniae was 8.9% (59/660) and exhibited a high prevalence in children under 23 months of age 64.4% (38/59). The observed serotypes were 9V and 19F with frequencies of 1.7% (1/59) and 13.6% (8/59), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed 100% (59/59) sensitivity to vancomycin. In contrast, trimethoprim and oxacillin exhibited high resistance rates of 76.3% (45/59) and 52.5% (31/59), respectively. Of the biofilm-forming isolates, 54.8% (23/42) possessed resistance to some antimicrobials. In this study, S. pneumoniae showed high rates of antimicrobial resistance and the ability to form biofilms, as these are factors that favor bacterial persistence and can cause serious damage to the host.

Clinical evaluation of chlorhexidine for the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess two vehicles and forms of the in-home administration of chlorhexidine for the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Twenty-nine children aged seven to 12 years (mixed dentition phase) participated in the study. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was carried out with the following treatment groups: 1 - 0.12% chlorhexidine gel (CG); 2 - placebo gel (PG); 3 - 0.12% chlorhexidine spray (CS); 4 - placebo spray (PS). Ten-day experiment periods were separated by 15-day washout intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The parameters evaluated were plaque, gingival bleeding, and preferences of parents/caregivers. RESULTS: The initial conditions were similar in each phase of the experiment (p > 0.05). The treatments with chlorhexidine (gel and spray) achieved a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in plaque and bleeding. The placebo treatments did not achieve significant differences (p > 0.05). The parents/caregivers preferred the administration of chlorhexidine in spray form. CONCLUSIONS: The topical administration of chlorhexidine associated to tooth brushing led to a reduction in dental biofilm and gingival bleeding in children with special needs. Administration in spray form proved easier and was preferred by parents/caregivers.

Clinical evaluation of three toothbrush models tested by schoolchildren.

AIM: The aim of this single-blind cross-over study was to compare the performance of three different toothbrush models in the control of dental biofilm and maintaining a healthy gingival condition. METHODS: Twenty-seven schoolchildren (aged 9-10 years) participated in the study. Three toothbrushes with different bristle arrangements were used: T1 - bristles on the same plane, straight arrangement; T2 - bristles on different planes, straight arrangement; T3 - bristles on different planes, straight and circular arrangement. The participants were then randomly divided into three groups for brushing with one of the three toothbrushes. Each experimental period lasted 15 days each, with three daily brushings and a 7-day washout interval was used between periods. The oral hygiene and gingival bleeding indices were recorded by a single, calibrated examiner blind to the brush used. Bristle wear was measured with a digital calliper at the end of each period. The data were analysed using parametric (anova and Student's t-test) and non-parametric (Cochran's Q and McNemar) tests. RESULTS: The toothbrushes achieved similar results (P>0.05) for the clinical parameters investigated. The three models exhibited a similar degree of bristle wear (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The arrangement of the bristles had little influence over the removal of biofilm and gingival conditions. Thus, there is no clinical justification for replacing conventional toothbrushes with more expensive models.

Acute blockade of endogenous melatonin by Luzindole, with or without peripheral LPS injection, induces jejunal inflammation and morphological alterations in Swiss mice.

This study investigated the acute blockade of endogenous melatonin (MLT) using Luzindole with or without systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and evaluated changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the mouse jejunum. Luzindole is an MT1/MT2 MLT receptor antagonist. Both receptors occur in the small intestine. Swiss mice were treated with either saline (0.35 mg/kg, ip), Luzindole (0.35 mg/kg, ip), LPS (1.25 mg/kg, ip), or Luzindole+LPS (0.35 and 1.25 mg/kg, ip, respectively). Jejunum samples were evaluated regarding intestinal morphometry, histopathological crypt scoring, and PAS-positive villus goblet cell counting. Inflammatory Iba-1, interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor (NF)-kB, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress (NP-SHs, catalase, MDA, nitrate/nitrite) markers were assessed. Mice treated with Luzindole, LPS, and Luzindole+LPS showed villus height shortening. Crypt damage was worse in the LPS group. Luzindole, LPS, and Luzindole+LPS reduced the PAS-goblet cell labeling and increased Iba-1-immunolabelled cells compared to the saline group. Immunoblotting for IL-1ß, TNF-α, and NF-kB was greater in the Luzindole group. The LPS-challenged group showed higher MPO activity than the saline and Luzindole groups. Catalase was reduced in the Luzindole and Luzindole+LPS groups compared to saline. The Luzindole group showed an increase in NP-SHs, an effect related to compensatory GSH activity. The acute blockade of endogenous MLT with Luzindole induced early changes in inflammatory markers with altered intestinal morphology. The other non-detectable deleterious effects of Luzindole may be balanced by the unopposed direct action of MLT in immune cells bypassing the MT1/MT2 receptors.

α,ß-Amyrin prevents steatosis and insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD via the AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling mechanism.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis, is intrinsically related to obesity. Our previous study reported on the anti-obese activity of α,ß-amyrin (AMY), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Protium heptaphyllum. This study investigated its ability to prevent fatty liver and the underlying mechanism using the mouse model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in male Swiss mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. The controls were fed a normal chow diet (ND). The mice were simultaneously treated with AMY at 10 and 20 mg/kg or fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg. Lipid levels along with metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in liver and serum. The liver sections were histologically examined using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were performed to analyze signaling mechanisms. Mice fed HFD developed severe hepatic steatosis with elevated triglycerides and lipid droplets compared with ND controls. This was associated with a decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, an increase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, which have roles in lipogenesis, inhibition of lipolysis, and inflammatory response. AMY treatment reversed these signaling activities and decreased the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response, evidenced by serum and liver parameters as well as histological findings. AMY-induced reduction in hepatic steatosis seemed to involve AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling pathways, which supported its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Prioritizing COVID-19 tests based on participatory surveillance and spatial scanning.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify, describe and analyze priority areas for COVID-19 testing combining participatory surveillance and traditional surveillance. DESIGN: It was carried out a descriptive transversal study in the city of Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, within the period of 20/02/2020 to 05/05/2020. Data included all official reports for influenza-like illness notified by the municipality health department and the self-reports collected through the participatory surveillance platform Brasil Sem Corona. METHODS: We used linear regression and loess regression to verify a correlation between Participatory Surveillance (PS) and Traditional Surveillance (TS). Also a spatial scanning approach was deployed in order to identify risk clusters for COVID-19. RESULTS: In Caruaru, the PS had 861 active users, presenting an average of 1.2 reports per user per week. The platform Brasil Sem Corona started on March 20th and since then, has been officially used by the Caruaru health authority to improve the quality of information from the traditional surveillance system. Regarding the respiratory syndrome cases from TS, 1588 individuals were positive for this clinical outcome. The spatial scanning analysis detected 18 clusters and 6 of them presented statistical significance (p-value < 0.1). Clusters 3 and 4 presented an overlapping area that was chosen by the local authority to deploy the COVID-19 serology, where 50 individuals were tested. From there, 32 % (n = 16) presented reagent results for antibodies related to COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Participatory surveillance is an effective epidemiological method to complement the traditional surveillance system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by adding real-time spatial data to detect priority areas for COVID-19 testing.

First description of a herpesvirus infection in genus Lepus.

During the necropsies of Iberian hares obtained in 2018/2019, along with signs of the nodular form of myxomatosis, other unexpected external lesions were also observed. Histopathology revealed nuclear inclusion bodies in stromal cells suggesting the additional presence of a nuclear replicating virus. Transmission electron microscopy further demonstrated the presence of herpesvirus particles in the tissues of affected hares. We confirmed the presence of herpesvirus in 13 MYXV-positive hares by PCR and sequencing analysis. Herpesvirus-DNA was also detected in seven healthy hares, suggesting its asymptomatic circulation. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated partial sequences of DNA polymerase gene and glycoprotein B gene enabled greater resolution than analysing the sequences individually. The hare' virus was classified close to herpesviruses from rodents within the Rhadinovirus genus of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily. We propose to name this new virus Leporid gammaherpesvirus 5 (LeHV-5), according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses standards. The impact of herpesvirus infection on the reproduction and mortality of the Iberian hare is yet unknown but may aggravate the decline of wild populations caused by the recently emerged natural recombinant myxoma virus.

Plant Silicon Amendment Does Not Reduce Population Growth of Schizaphis graminum or Host Quality for the Parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes.

Interactions between different pest control methods can affect Integrated Pest Management efficiency. This study sought to evaluate (1) if Si accumulation is related to the level of constitutive resistance in sorghum genotypes, (2) the level of Si induces resistance by antibiosis in sorghum genotypes with different levels of constitutive resistance to Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (reared individualized or in colonies), and (3) the fitness of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) in aphids reared on Si-treated and untreated plants. Several experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions, using sorghum genotypes with different levels of resistance grown in pots with or without the addition of Si to the soil. The susceptible (BR007B), moderately resistant (GB3B), and highly resistant (TX430XGR111) genotypes all absorbed more Si when it was added to the soil compared with when it was not amended. However, the final Si content of treated plants was not related to the level of constitutive resistance among treated genotypes. While Si soil application did reduce the fecundity of individualized aphids reared on the susceptible and moderately resistant sorghum plants, it did not reduce populational growth of aphid colonies, independent of the level of plant's constitutive resistance. Parasitoid (L. testaceipes) had higher weight when reared from aphids fed on plants with added Si. Sorghum × constitutive resistance × S. graminum interactions were affected by plant Si content only for individualized aphids but not for aphid colonies. Sorghum × S. graminum × L. testaceipes interactions suggest that Si can have, overall, a positive effect on the biological control of S. graminum.

Dietary protein modulates digestive enzyme activities and gene expression in red tilapia juveniles.

It is known that the level of dietary protein modulates the enzymatic activity of the digestive tract of fish; however, its effect at the molecular level on these enzymes and the hormones regulating appetite has not been well characterised. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CP on the activity of proteases and the expression of genes related to the ingestion and protein digestion of juveniles of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), as well as the effects on performance, protein retention and body composition of tilapia. A total of 240 juveniles (29.32 ± 5.19 g) were used, distributed across 20 tanks of 100 l in a closed recirculation system. The fish were fed to apparent satiety for 42 days using four isoenergetic diets with different CP levels (24%, 30%, 36% and 42%). The results indicate that fish fed the 30% CP diet exhibited a higher growth performance compared to those on the 42% CP diet (P < 0.05). Feed intake in fish fed 24% and 30% CP diets was significantly higher than that in fish fed 36% and 42% CP diets (P < 0.05). A significant elevation of protein retention was observed in fish fed with 24% and 30% CP diets. Fish fed with 24% CP exhibited a significant increase in lipid deposition in the whole body. The diet with 42% CP was associated with the highest expression of pepsinogen and the lowest activity of acid protease (P < 0.05). The expression of hepatopancreatic trypsinogen increased as CP levels in the diet increased (P < 0.05) up to 36%, whereas trypsin activity showed a significant reduction with 42% CP (P < 0.05). The diet with 42% CP was associated with the lowest intestinal chymotrypsinogen expression and the lowest chymotrypsin activity (P < 0.05). α-amylase expression decreased with increasing (P < 0.05) CP levels up to 36%. No significant differences were observed in the expression of procarboxypeptidase, lipase or leptin among all the groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the diet with 42% CP resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in the expression of ghrelin and insulin and an increase (P < 0.05) in the expression of cholecystokinin and peptide yy. It is concluded that variation in dietary protein promoted changes in the metabolism of the red tilapia, which was reflected in proteolytic activity and expression of digestion and appetite-regulating genes.

In vivo effect of essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its active compound against Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907).

Schistosomiasis treatment is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). The development of resistance of PZQ has drawn the attention of many researchers to alternative drugs. One viable and promising treatment is the study of medicinal plants as a new approach to the experimental treatment for Schistosomiasis. The present work aimed to evaluate in vivo antischistosomal activity of effect of Mentha x villosa Oil Essential (Mv-EO) and rotundifolone (ROT) against Schistosoma mansoni. Thirty-day-old female Swiss webster mice (Mus musculus) weighing 50 grams were used. Mice were infected with 80 cercariae of S. mansoni (BH strain) and orally administered Mv-EO (50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg) and ROT (35.9, 70.9 and 141.9 mg/Kg) at 45-days post infection for 5 consecutive days. All mice were euthanized 60 days after infection. Praziquantel was the positive control in the experiment. Doses of 200 mg/kg (Mv-EO) and ROT (141.9 mg/Kg) resulted in a significant reduction in fluke burden (72.44% and 74.48%, respectively). There was also marked reduction in liver, intestinal and faecal and changed oogram pattern, compared to infected untreated mice. Considering the results obtained, further biological studies are required in order to elucidate the mechanism of schistosomicidal action on against adult S. mansoni.