Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in dogs presenting to French university veterinary teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pet obesity is still a major health issue, which is considered an epidemic by some researchers. Prevention is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Human lifestyle was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an increased overweight prevalence in the population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs during this period has been poorly explored. This study's objectives were to assess the percentage of the French dog population with overweight and obesity, compare the results with a study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate any potential changes in the risk factors. The study collected data through a survey completed by dog owners during their pets' vaccination visits at university veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort (Paris) and Toulouse, in France, between 2020 and 2022. The veterinarian recorded the dog's weight and the body condition score using a 9-point scale. The study included a total of 309 dogs. Of these, 1.6 % were underweight, 63.1 % had an ideal body condition, and 35.3 % were overweight, including 2.3 % of all dogs classified as obese. During the pandemic, French dog diets shifted towards increased commercial food consumption and twice-daily feedings compared to a 2003 study. Factors positively associated with overweight were being female (OR = 3.55; 95 % CI: 1.65-8.01; P=0.002), being senior (OR=4.91; 95 % CI: 2.07-12.2; P<0.001) or geriatric (OR=5.81; 95 % CI: 2.04-17.0; P=0.001) and having an owner underestimating dog's body condition (OR=74.1; 95 % CI: 29.8-215; P<0.001). Recognizing the impact of owner perception enables early intervention strategies, such as educating owners during consultations and conducting teaching sessions at the clinic. This proactive approach could contribute to improved health outcomes and help prevent the onset of obesity-related issues in dogs. The new trends in dogs' diets may have global relevance due to the pandemic's widespread impact. Although no immediate impact on overweight is evident, ongoing research is crucial to understand the pandemic's long-term effects.

Spatial analysis of the risk for canine visceral leishmaniasis in an urban area in the State of Sergipe.

Visceral Leishmaniasis is included among the neglected tropical diseases, being directly related to conditions of social vulnerability, in urban environments, dogs act as important reservoirs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of dogs, related risk factors and identify of volatile organic compounds from infected dogs. Peripheral blood samples from 72 dogs were collected for detection using the ELISA test, in addition to hair samples for analysis by GC-MS. Of the evaluated dogs, 13 (18.05%/72) were reactive for canine VL, seven in Aracaju and six in Propriá. Factors related to vegetation, age, place where the dog stays and free access to the street, were associated with a greater chance of the dog becoming infected. Fifty-three compounds were identified from ten canine hair samples, among which 2-butoxyethanol, benzaldehyde, decane, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, nonan-1-ol, 2-phenoxyethanol, nonanoic acid, 8-heptadecene and eicosane were found in seropositive dogs for leishmaniasis. The guardian's posture has been increasingly important, requiring more attention to the dog's health and actions aimed at environmental management in an attempt to reduce cases of canine VL in the state. Even though the identified VOCs have not been associated with leishmanial infection, it is of great use for understanding canine hair substances.

Dapagliflozin in patients with critical illness: rationale and design of the DEFENDER study.

BACKGROUND: Critical illness is a major ongoing health care burden worldwide and is associated with high mortality rates. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have consistently shown benefits in cardiovascular and renal outcomes. The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in acute illness have not been properly investigated. METHODS: DEFENDER is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in 500 adult participants with acute organ dysfunction who are hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive dapagliflozin 10mg plus standard of care for up to 14 days or standard of care alone. The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite of hospital mortality, initiation of kidney replacement therapy, and intensive care unit length of stay, up to 28 days. Safety will be strictly monitored throughout the study. CONCLUSION: DEFENDER is the first study designed to investigate the use of a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in general intensive care unit patients with acute organ dysfunction. It will provide relevant information on the use of drugs of this promising class in critically ill patients. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRY: NCT05558098.

Cognitive impairments associated with chemotherapy in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for breast cancer (BC). However, there is evidence of side effects like cognitive changes related to the chemotherapy treatment. The aim of the study was not only to summarize the existing evidence on the relationship between chemotherapy and cognitive performance in women with BC but also to identify additional consequences and aspects associated with these impairments. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression to present updated information on the matter. We retrieved data from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Twenty studies comprising over 2,500 women were examined and the results indicated that chemotherapy can compromise cognition in women with BC (-1.10 OR [95%CI: -1.81 to -0.74], P<0.01), with working memory (-0.49 OR [95%CI: -0.85 to -0.13], P=0.03) being the most affected among the domains. Furthermore, additional data indicated that cognitive impairment is most likely amid women with BC having a lower education level (Q=4.85, P=0.02). Our results suggested that chemotherapy affects cognitive functions in women with BC, and certain characteristics can worsen the deterioration. A comprehensive study of women with breast cancer and existing predictors contributes to optimized personal journeys, elevated life prospects, and advanced care that can also aid prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

Dapagliflozin in patients with critical illness: rationale and design of the DEFENDER study / Dapagliflozina em pacientes com doença crítica: justificativa e desenho do estudo DEFENDER

ABSTRACT Background: Critical illness is a major ongoing health care burden worldwide and is associated with high mortality rates. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have consistently shown benefits in cardiovascular and renal outcomes. The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in acute illness have not been properly investigated. Methods: DEFENDER is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in 500 adult participants with acute organ dysfunction who are hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive dapagliflozin 10mg plus standard of care for up to 14 days or standard of care alone. The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite of hospital mortality, initiation of kidney replacement therapy, and intensive care unit length of stay, up to 28 days. Safety will be strictly monitored throughout the study. Conclusion: DEFENDER is the first study designed to investigate the use of a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in general intensive care unit patients with acute organ dysfunction. It will provide relevant information on the use of drugs of this promising class in critically ill patients. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT05558098

RESUMO Antecedentes: A doença crítica é um importante ônus permanente da assistência médica em todo o mundo e está associada a altas taxas de mortalidade. Os inibidores do cotransportador de sódio-glicose do tipo 2 têm demonstrado consistentemente benefícios nos desfechos cardiovasculares e renais. Os efeitos dos inibidores do cotransportador de sódio-glicose do tipo 2 em doenças agudas ainda não foram devidamente investigados. Métodos: O DEFENDER é um estudo de iniciativa do investigador, multicêntrico, randomizado, aberto, desenhado para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da dapagliflozina em 500 participantes adultos com disfunção orgânica aguda hospitalizados na unidade de terapia intensiva. Os participantes aptos serão randomizados 1:1 para receber 10mg de dapagliflozina e o tratamento padrão por até 14 dias ou apenas o tratamento padrão. O desfecho primário é um composto hierárquico de mortalidade hospitalar, início de terapia renal substitutiva e tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva, até 28 dias. O monitoramento da segurança será rigoroso durante todo o estudo. Conclusão: O DEFENDER é o primeiro estudo desenvolvido para investigar o uso de um inibidor do cotransportador de sódio-glicose do tipo 2 em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva geral com disfunção orgânica aguda. O estudo fornecerá informações relevantes sobre o uso de medicamentos dessa classe promissora em pacientes críticos. Registro ClincalTrials.gov: NCT05558098

Different cellular and immunohistochemical abdominal wall cicatrization parameters evaluation in comparison with sublay, onlay, and ipom technique in an experimental rat model.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia (IH) occurs when there is a partial or complete solution of continuity of a fascia previously incised. Systematic reviews demonstrate that surgical treatment of IHs with the use of meshes are approximately 16%. Meta-analyses have demonstrated the superiority of mesh placement using sublay technique, but without a pathophysiological explanation. Thus, we aim to evaluate the different techniques of mesh positioning in an experimental model. METHODS: Fifty rats were distributed into five groups; control; simulation (SM)-submitted to laparotomy only; onlay-the mesh was positioned in onlay fashion; retromuscular (SL)-the mesh was positioned in a sublay fashion; intraperitoneal (IPOM)-positioning of the mesh adjacent to the transversalis fascia, inside the cavity. After 60 days, adhesions, tensiometry, histology, and immunohistochemistry were addressed. RESULTS: The IPOM group had the most adhesions, together with the SL group, with significantly relevant results. The SL group had higher values of tensiometric evaluation, while the IPOM group had the lowest mean in the tensiometry evaluation, being even lower than the SM group. Regarding histological and immunohistochemical findings, the SL group had a higher pixel number count compared to the groups, with statistical significance, in addition to higher expression of polymorphonuclear infiltrate and CD68 markers. CONCLUSION: The mesh positioning in sublay compartment is associated with the development of more pronounce minimum tensile force required for detaching the surrounding abdominal wall tissues it was incorporated. The intensity of these findings correlates to the different histological and immunohistochemical profiles observed following each repair, since SL group was characterized by a higher proportion of collagen, inflammatory, and reparative elements. Characterizing these pro-healing elements and its counterparts will allow the development of new therapeutic tools which could be added to the still far-from-ideal current therapeutic options for IH treatment.

Changes after 12 years of follow-up severe asthma patients cohort: higher obstruction and comorbidities, but significant better quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Cohort of Asthma São Paulo (BRASASP) had a well-characterized severe asthmatic in Brazil, with 12 years of follow-up under standard treatment. METHODS: Sequential assessment of patients with uncontrolled asthma from BRASASP cohort was carried out with 12 years of follow-up, performing exams and comparing with previous measurements. RESULTS: 50 from the 60 initial patients were reevaluated. Twelve years later, FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio have significantly decreased, with a rate of loss of lung function of 11.8 and 14%, respectively, and worsening in small airway parameters such as RV/TLC. BMI, The Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores haven't changed. However, exacerbations decreased by 56%. Mean daily inhaled corticosteroid use was similar over time, but daily oral corticosteroid use decreased, in addition to a significant reduction in induced sputum eosinophilic and neutrophilic profile and serum IgE. Rhinitis, sinusitis, and GERD were the main comorbidities. In quality of life according to respiratory questionnaire SGRQ, total score showed a huge improvement (62% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: There was significant decrease in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Data of pulmonary functional small airway characteristics show globally affected airways. Although higher doses of medications, patients were still uncontrolled, but with reduction of exacerbations, daily use of oral corticosteroid, less eosinophils and neutrophils in induced sputum and lower levels of IgE. Improvement in quality of life in 62% of patients.

Cognitive impairments associated with chemotherapy in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for breast cancer (BC). However, there is evidence of side effects like cognitive changes related to the chemotherapy treatment. The aim of the study was not only to summarize the existing evidence on the relationship between chemotherapy and cognitive performance in women with BC but also to identify additional consequences and aspects associated with these impairments. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression to present updated information on the matter. We retrieved data from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Twenty studies comprising over 2,500 women were examined and the results indicated that chemotherapy can compromise cognition in women with BC (-1.10 OR [95%CI: -1.81 to -0.74], P<0.01), with working memory (-0.49 OR [95%CI: -0.85 to -0.13], P=0.03) being the most affected among the domains. Furthermore, additional data indicated that cognitive impairment is most likely amid women with BC having a lower education level (Q=4.85, P=0.02). Our results suggested that chemotherapy affects cognitive functions in women with BC, and certain characteristics can worsen the deterioration. A comprehensive study of women with breast cancer and existing predictors contributes to optimized personal journeys, elevated life prospects, and advanced care that can also aid prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

Influenza vaccination strategy in acute coronary syndromes: the VIP-ACS trial.

AIMS: To evaluate whether a strategy of double-dose influenza vaccination during hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with standard-dose outpatient vaccination (as recommended by current guidelines) would further reduce the risk of major cardiopulmonary events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vaccination against Influenza to Prevent cardiovascular events after Acute Coronary Syndromes (VIP-ACS) was a pragmatic, randomized, multicentre, active-comparator, open-label trial with blinded outcome adjudication comparing two strategies of influenza vaccination following an ACS: double-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine before hospital discharge vs. standard-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine administered in the outpatient setting 30 days after randomization. The primary outcome was a hierarchical composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, hospitalization for heart failure, urgent coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for respiratory causes, analysed by the win ratio method. Patients were followed for 12 months. During two influenza seasons, 1801 participants were included at 25 centres in Brazil. The primary outcome was not different between groups, with 12.7% wins in-hospital double-dose vaccine group and 12.3% wins in the standard-dose vaccine group {win ratio: 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.32], P = 0.84}. Results were consistent for the key secondary outcome, a hierarchical composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke [win ratio: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.66-1.33), P = 0.72]. Time-to-first event analysis for the primary outcome showed results similar to those of the main analysis [hazard ratio 0.97 (95% CI: 0.75-1.24), P = 0.79]. Adverse events were infrequent and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Among patients hospitalized with an ACS, double-dose influenza vaccination before discharge did not reduce cardiopulmonary outcomes compared with standard-dose vaccination in the outpatient setting. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04001504.

Successes and challenges of latent TB screening and treatment in a high-prevalence US region.

BACKGROUND: South Texas has higher TB disease incidence than much of the United States. We evaluated a multi-site South Texas interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)-based testing and latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment program targeting high-risk populations.METHODS: Number of IGRA tests, test results, LTBI confirmation, and treatment outcomes were collected over 2.5 years. Sixteen semi-structured patient interviews and 10 site-based focus groups were conducted with providers, nurses, and administrators. Grounded theory identified themes associated with successful outcomes.RESULTS: Of 9,050 IGRA tests, 687 (8%) were positive; 340 (49%) confirmed as LTBI; 191 initiated LTBI treatment; and 130 (68% of initiators) completed treatment. Patient barriers to treatment completion included lack of knowledge, misconceptions, and treatment toxicities. Clinic staff concurred that toxicity was a barrier to treatment and requiring new processes with limited resources were implementation barriers.CONCLUSIONS: Over 9,000 patients were screened with a high prevalence of IGRA positivity, but confirming LTBI, initiating, and completing treatment were challenging. Qualitative evaluation supports low literacy patient education on LTBI and toxicities and expanded support for process implementation and provider training. These findings highlight challenges at all levels of the LTBI care cascade and provide patient, staff, and provider perspectives on implementation of these programs.

Cellular consequences of small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 12: mosaicism in daughter and father.

Constitutional genomic imbalances are known to cause malformations, disabilities, neurodevelopmental delay, and dysmorphia and can lead to dysfunctions in the cell cycle. In extremely rare genetic conditions such as small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC), it is important to understand the cellular consequences of this extra marker, as well the factors that contribute to their maintenance or elimination through successive cell cycles and phenotypic impact. The study of chromosomal mosaicism provides a natural model to characterize the effect of aneuploidy on genome stability and compare cells with the same genetic background and environment exposure, but differing in the presence of sSMC. Here, we report the functional characterization of different cell lines from two familial patients with mosaic sSMC derived from chromosome 12. We performed studies of proliferation dynamics, stability, and variability of these cells using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and conventional staining. We also quantified the telomere-related genomic instability of sSMC cells using 3D telomeric profile analysis by quantitative-FISH. sSMC cells exhibited differences in the cell cycle dynamics compared to normal cells. First, the sSMC cells exhibited lower proliferation index and higher frequency of SCE than normal cells, associated with a higher level of chromosomal instability. Second, sSMC cells exhibited more telomeric-related genomic instability. Lastly, the differences of sSMC cells distribution among tissues could explain different phenotypic repercussions observed in patients. These results will help in our understanding of the sSMC stability, maintenance during cell cycle, and the cell cycle variables involved in the different phenotypic manifestations.

Comparison of canine owner profile according to food choice: an online preliminary survey in France.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, more people are treating dogs as family members. This reflects their increased attention towards their nutrition, with renewed interest for non-conventional diets such as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food/ Bones and Raw Food in United States (BARF) or homemade. In previous studies, owners feeding their dog non-conventional diets reported lower levels of trust in veterinary advice. The aim of the study was to identify differences in lifestyle between owners feeding dogs non-conventional diets and those feeding conventional diets (i.e., dry/wet pet food) to give further insight for improving communication between veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: A total of 426 surveys were usable. Fifteen percent of the participants lived in the metropole of Paris and had more than one dog (mean 1.72 dogs). Thirty-eight percent of the survey respondents stated that their dogs were fed exclusively with non-conventional diets, while 55% declared using conventional diets alone (not considering treats). The study canine population was for the most part neutered (63%) and purebred (68%). Amongst owners feeding conventional diets exclusively, 47% determined how much food to feed by consulting the feeding guidelines on the packaging, and only 28% said that the amount of food was prescribed by their veterinarian or veterinary nurse. Out of the participants feeding non-conventional diets, 65% declared that the information for formulating the recipes was gathered on the internet or in non-veterinary books. When compared with owners feeding exclusively conventional diets, those feeding non-conventional diets were living more frequently outside the metropole of Paris, had fewer children (0.23 ± 0.57 vs 0.37 ± 0.78; p = 0.03) and had more frequently other animals. They also dewormed less often their pets, walked their dog more each day (91 vs 78%; p < 0.001) and without leash for more than 6 h per week (46 vs 31%; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This survey described differences in the habits of owners feeding dogs non-conventional diets in comparison with those feeding conventional diets. Data suggest that owners using non-conventional diets may be more attentive to the ethological needs of their dog which could be a starting point for practitioners for achieving better client-veterinarian communication.

Cellular consequences of small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 12: mosaicism in daughter and father

Constitutional genomic imbalances are known to cause malformations, disabilities, neurodevelopmental delay, and dysmorphia and can lead to dysfunctions in the cell cycle. In extremely rare genetic conditions such as small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC), it is important to understand the cellular consequences of this extra marker, as well the factors that contribute to their maintenance or elimination through successive cell cycles and phenotypic impact. The study of chromosomal mosaicism provides a natural model to characterize the effect of aneuploidy on genome stability and compare cells with the same genetic background and environment exposure, but differing in the presence of sSMC. Here, we report the functional characterization of different cell lines from two familial patients with mosaic sSMC derived from chromosome 12. We performed studies of proliferation dynamics, stability, and variability of these cells using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and conventional staining. We also quantified the telomere-related genomic instability of sSMC cells using 3D telomeric profile analysis by quantitative-FISH. sSMC cells exhibited differences in the cell cycle dynamics compared to normal cells. First, the sSMC cells exhibited lower proliferation index and higher frequency of SCE than normal cells, associated with a higher level of chromosomal instability. Second, sSMC cells exhibited more telomeric-related genomic instability. Lastly, the differences of sSMC cells distribution among tissues could explain different phenotypic repercussions observed in patients. These results will help in our understanding of the sSMC stability, maintenance during cell cycle, and the cell cycle variables involved in the different phenotypic manifestations.

A new digital evaluation protocol applied in a retrospective analysis of periodontal plastic surgery of gingival recessions.

This research aimed to develop a new digital evaluation protocol to objectively quantify the volumetric changes of root coverage periodontal plastic surgery when combined with connective tissue graft. Consecutive patients with Cairo recession type 1 (RT1) or Cairo recession type 2 (RT2) were treated. Accurate study models obtained at baseline and follow-ups were optically scanned. Healing dynamics were measured by calculating volume differences between time points. Nineteen patients were treated between December 2014 and January 2019. At 3-month follow-up, root coverage was 95.6% (± 14.5%) with tunnel and connective tissue graft (TUN + CTG) technique, and 88.9% (± 20.5%) with the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access and connective tissue graft (VISTA + CTG) technique. Recession decreased 1.33 (± 0.86) mm and 1.42 (± 0.92) mm, respectively (p = 0.337). At 6-month follow-up, root coverage was 96.5% (± 10.4%) with the TUN + CTG and 93.9% (± 10.3%) with the VISTA + CTG. Recession decreased 1.35 (± 0.85) mm and 1.45 (± 0.82) mm, respectively (p = 0.455). Complete root coverage was achieved in 86.7% (± 0.4%) with TUN + CTG and 70.6% (± 0.5%) with VISTA + CTG. No statistically significant differences were found between techniques. The digital protocol presented proved to be a non-invasive technique for accurate measurements of clinical outcomes. Both techniques reduce gingival recessions, with no statistically significant differences.

Electrochemical and photoluminescence response of laser-induced graphene/electrodeposited ZnO composites.

The inherent scalability, low production cost and mechanical flexibility of laser-induced graphene (LIG) combined with its high electrical conductivity, hierarchical porosity and large surface area are appealing characteristics for many applications. Still, other materials can be combined with LIG to provide added functionalities and enhanced performance. This work exploits the most adequate electrodeposition parameters to produce LIG/ZnO nanocomposites. Low-temperature pulsed electrodeposition allowed the conformal and controlled deposition of ZnO rods deep inside the LIG pores whilst maintaining its inherent porosity, which constitute fundamental advances regarding other methods for LIG/ZnO composite production. Compared to bare LIG, the composites more than doubled electrode capacitance up to 1.41 mF cm-2 in 1 M KCl, while maintaining long-term cycle stability, low ohmic losses and swift electron transfer. The composites also display a luminescence band peaked at the orange/red spectral region, with the main excitation maxima at ~ 3.33 eV matching the expected for the ZnO bandgap at room temperature. A pronounced sub-bandgap tail of states with an onset absorption near 3.07 eV indicates a high amount of defect states, namely surface-related defects. This work shows that these environmentally sustainable multifunctional nanocomposites are valid alternatives for supercapacitors, electrochemical/optical biosensors and photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical devices.

Enzymatic effects of Pleurotus ostreatus spent substrate on whole-plant corn silage and performance of lactating goats.

Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) synthesizes enzymes that degrade lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus spent substrate (POSS) on whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, lignin monomers, and in vitro digestibility, as well as the performance of lactating goats fed corn silage treated with different levels of POSS. In experiment 1, 4 levels of lignocellulolytic enzymes were tested in a complete randomized design: 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg of lignocellulosic enzymes per kilogram of fresh matter, 4 replicates per treatment (vacuum-sealed bags). The bags were opened 60 d after ensiling. In experiment 2, corn silage treated with 3 enzyme levels (0, 10, or 30 mg/kg of fresh matter) was fed to lactating goats as part of the total mixed ration. Nine lactating Saanen goats (62.68 ± 7.62 kg BW; 44 ± 8 d in milk; 2.91 ± 0.81 kg of milk/day, mean ± SD) were assigned to three 3 × 3 Latin squares. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.), and means were compared by linear and quadratic orthogonal contrast. In experiment 1, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, and cellulose quadratically decreased in the WPCS treated with POSS. At the nadir point, POSS decreased NDF by 14.1%, ADF by 19.5%, lignin by 9.07%, and cellulose by 22.1% compared with the untreated silage. Therefore, POSS led to a quadratic increase in in vitro dry matter digestibility of WPCS (+8.88% at the vertex) compared with the untreated silage. In experiment 2, POSS quadratically increased the in vivo total-tract ADF digestibility. Also, the concentration of polyphenols in the milk of goats linearly increased with the addition of POSS, and no differences were observed among treatments for milk yield and composition. In summary, adding 10 mg of lignocellulolytic enzymes from POSS per kilogram of fresh matter of whole-plant corn at ensiling had a more evident reduction in lignin and cellulose concentration, leading to greater in vitro digestibility, as well as greater in vivo ADF digestibility; however, milk yield was not different among treatments.

Short-term systemic methotrexate administration in rats induces astrogliosis and microgliosis.

Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate drug, is widely used in chemotherapeutic protocols for metastatic and primary brain tumors and some autoimmune diseases. Its efficacy for brain tumors is limited by the high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) complications. This investigation aimed to observe the morphological effects, including astroglial and microglial responses, following systemic short-term MTX administration in adult rats. Male Wistar rats received 5 or 10 mg/kg/day of MTX by intraperitoneal route for 4 consecutive days (respectively, MTX5 and MTX10 groups) or the same volume of 0.9% saline solution (control group). On the 5th day, brain samples were collected for hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining techniques, as well as for immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astrocytes and Iba1 (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1) for microglia in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and molecular/granular layers of the cerebellum. Morphometric analyses were performed using Image Pro-Plus software. Brain levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß were determined by ELISA. No signs of neuronal loss or demyelination were observed in all groups. Increased GFAP and Iba1 expression was found in all areas from the MTX groups, although it was slightly higher in the MTX10 group compared to the MTX5. Both TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were decreased in the MTX5 group compared to controls. In the MTX10 group, TNF-α decreased, although IL-1ß was increased relative to controls. MTX administration induced microglial reaction and astrogliosis in several CNS areas. In the MTX5 group, it apparently occurred in the presence of decreased proinflammatory cytokines.

Helminth Fauna of Scomberomorus Sierra (Actinopterygii: Scombridae) in Southeastern Gulf of California, Mexico.

From January to May 2015, a sample of 50 individuals of the Pacific sierra Scomberomorus sierra Jordan and Starks, 1895 captured off Mazatlán (southeastern Gulf of California, Mexico) were reviewed for helminths. A total of 6, 255 parasitic worms belonging to 11 species (9 in adult stage and 2 larvae) were obtained. Trematoda was the best represented group with 6 species of Didymozoidae Monticelli, 1888 and 1 of Bucephalidae Poche, 1907. In addition, 2 monogenean species and 2 of Nematoda were collected. In this study, the first molecular sequences for didymozoid species in Mexico were generated, and for Glomeritrema sp. at worldwide level. The most prevalent species were Didymocylindrus sp. (92 %) and Didymocystis scomberomori (MacCallum & MacCallum, 1916) (88 %), whereas the monogenean Thoracocotyle crocea MacCallum, 1913 reached the highest value of mean intensity (75.2). The coincidence between the helminthological composition established in our study and that reported for the same scombrid in 4 localities from the Mexican South Pacific (sharing 10 species) suggests that this group of species persistently parasitize S. sierra throughout its distribution along the Mexican Pacific coast; furthermore, due to the richness of didymozoids and the affinity of Thoracocotylidae species for S. sierra, both groups can be considered typical parasites of this fi sh.

Association of positive and negative life events with cognitive performance and psychological status in late life: A cross-sectional study in Northern Portugal.

Objectives: Life events have important effects on psychological well-being. Yet, studies have mainly focused on exploring the impact of traumatic and negative experiences on health and well-being, with positive events receiving marginal attention. In this study, we investigated the association between negative and positive life events, cognitive performance and psychological status in older individuals. Method: A cross-sectional approach with a sample of 97 community-dwelling adults, recruited from a network of 23 centres/institutions in Northern Portugal, and aged between 56 and 85 years, was conducted. All participants were evaluated through a battery of tests assessing for depressive mood, perceived stress, and cognitive functioning. Life events were measured using the Lifetime Experiences Scale (LIFES) which covers 75 life experiences organized in eight domains. Results: A total of 95.9% of the participants reported more positive life events than negative throughout life. Participants reporting more positive experiences had lower scores in the depressive mood and perceived stress measures. At the domain-level of LIFES scale, more negative experiences in the Work and Health domains were associated with a depressed mood and more perceived stress. Significant positive associations were found between positive life experiences and most cognitive measures, after controlling for sex, education, age and depressive symptoms. Namely, more positive experiences at School, Leisure, and Living conditions were positively associated with better performance across cognitive tests. Discussion: This study adds important evidence on the association between of life events, both negative and positive experiences, on cognition and psychological well-being, providing a more balanced view of the field.