Acute and Chronic Ecotoxicity of Daphnia magna Exposed to Ash Leachate from the Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador.

Ecuador's wetlands and aquatic ecosystems are chronically exposed to ash contamination due to the frequent volcanoes' eruptions in the country. Still, the short and long-term effects of ash contamination on the aquatic biota are not well understood. We used ashes released by the Cotopaxi volcano in 2016 to investigate their acute and chronic effects in Daphna magna. We calculated the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) after 2 and 21 days of exposure, the non-observed effect concentration (NOEC), and the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) on offspring production. We also analyzed the metal concentration present in the ashes. The EC50 values at 2 and 21 days were found at 80% and 5% ash leachate concentrations, respectively. After 21 days of exposure, high mortality and low neonatal production were observed in all leachate concentrations (NOEC was at 15%, and LOEC was at 20% leachate concentration). Our results suggest that the ashes from the Cotopaxi volcano can cause acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic life and should be classified as hazardous waste, depending on the dose. There is an urgent need for further studies that assess toxicity caused by the intense volcanic activity in Ecuador.

Lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands.

BACKGROUND: Lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands are very uncommon and few reports are currently available in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to describe the clinical and microscopic features of an original series of lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pathology files of two institutions were searched for lymphoma cases affecting the submandibular glands. The original hematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical slides were revised by a pathologist for diagnosis confirmation following the revised 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Clinical data regarding age, sex, clinical manifestation, treatment, follow-up and status at last appointment were retrieved from the patients' medical charts. RESULTS: During the period investigated, 16 cases were included in the study. Females predominated (10:6) with a mean age of 57.8 years-old. Tumors usually presented as asymptomatic swellings. MALT lymphoma represented the most common subtype, followed by diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Three patients died, one of them affected by plasmablastic lymphoma, one by DLBCL and one by MALT lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade B cell lymphomas predominate in the submandibular glands, but DLBCL and other subtypes may also be rarely diagnosed in this salivary gland.

Final Results of GERDA on the Two-Neutrino Double-ß Decay Half-Life of

We present the measurement of the two-neutrino double-ß decay rate of ^{76}Ge performed with the GERDA Phase II experiment. With a subset of the entire GERDA exposure, 11.8 kg yr, the half-life of the process has been determined: T_{1/2}^{2ν}=(2.022±0.018_{stat}±0.038_{syst})×10^{21} yr. This is the most precise determination of the ^{76}Ge two-neutrino double-ß decay half-life and one of the most precise measurements of a double-ß decay process. The relevant nuclear matrix element can be extracted: M_{eff}^{2ν}=(0.101±0.001).

Inflammatory profile of apical periodontitis associated with liver fibrosis in rats: histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of liver fibrosis (LF) on the pro-inflammatory mediators and periapical bone resorption of apical periodontitis (AP) in rats. METHODOLOGY: Forty male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: C - control, AP - rats with AP, LF - rats with LF, AP + LF - rats with AP and LF. LF was induced by carbon tetrachloride administration for 8 weeks and surgical bile duct ligation for 4 weeks; AP was induced in the teeth of rats by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment for 30 days. Jaws and livers were removed after euthanasia. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Picrosirius Red (PSR) staining were used to confirm fibrosis in the livers. The jaws were analysed using H&E staining, immunohistochemical assays of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney's U-test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Inflammatory infiltrate was moderate in the AP group and severe in the AP + LF group (P < 0.05). Periapical bone resorption was significantly larger in the AP + LF group compared with the AP group (P < 0.05). IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in AP + LF group when compared to the AP group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: More intense inflammatory infiltrate, greater amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased periapical bone resorption were observed in the presence of liver fibrosis in rats with exposed pulps.

Leptin decreases apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in cultured ovine ovarian tissue.

This study evaluated the effects of leptin on primordial follicle survival and activation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue and if leptin acts through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histology (fresh control) or cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM+) alone or supplemented with leptin (1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 ng/ml). Follicle morphology, activation and apoptosis were analyzed. Next, the fragments were cultured in the medium that showed the best results in the absence or the presence of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), and immunohistostaining of p-Akt protein was assessed. After culture, the percentage of normal follicles decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the fresh control. Moreover, control medium and 1 ng/ml leptin had similar (P > 0.05) percentages of normal follicles, which were significantly higher than those in other treatments. However, culture with 1 ng/ml leptin maintained apoptosis similarly (P > 0.05) to that of the fresh control and lower (P < 0.05) than that in α-MEM+. Leptin did not influence follicle activation (P > 0.05) compared with the control medium (α-MEM+). Culture in 1 ng/ml leptin with LY294002 decreased the normal follicles and increased apoptosis, inhibited follicle activation (P < 0.05), and reduced p-Akt immunostaining, compared with the medium containing 1 ng/ml leptin without PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, leptin at 1 ng/ml reduces apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles compared with the fresh control after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue possibly through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Nanoemulsions containing plant oils: How do they influence hair treatment?

OBJECTIVE: Cosmetic and dermatological products, mainly the hair treatments, are projected to have remarkable growing in coming years. Nanotechnology, specifically nanoemulsions, has potential to be used in several hair products, owing to their beneficial properties. Concurrently, plant-derived cosmetics have become more popular over the years to consumers who prefer a safer, natural and sustainable approach. There is a lack of studies combining plant oils and nanotechnology for haircare formulations. In this work, different plant oil-loaded nanoemulsions were prepared to investigate the influence of their particle size, zeta potential and composition on hair treatment efficacy. METHODS: Coconut, olive and Abyssinian oils, alone or in combination, were loaded into nanoemulsions by high-pressure homogenization method (HPH). The mean particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were measured by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, and a stability test was performed for five months. A sensorial screening evaluation performed by the analyst and the combing test using Dia-Stron® instrumentation were applied on hair tresses treated by these nanoemulsions. RESULTS: The use of different plant oils for nanoemulsion resulted in distinct final particle sizes and zeta potential. However, results suggested no significant difference between them in hair tresses combing efficacy compared by Dia-Stron® instrument testing. Moreover, the plant-loaded nanoemulsions with increased concentration of cationic surfactant indicated a 50% reduction in combing force using this device when compared to control, in addition to better sensory results by screening test compared to other nanoemulsions and control. CONCLUSION: The composition of plant oils, particle size or zeta potential of the prepared nanoemulsions does not seem to significantly influence hair performance. Thus, we suggest that finding the right balance between cationic surfactant and plant oils may be the most appropriate path to develop effective nanoemulsions in hair treatment.

OBJECTIF: Les produits cosmétiques et dermatologiques, principalement les traitements capillaires, devraient connaître une croissance remarquable dans les années à venir. La nanotechnologie, en particulier les nanoémulsions, a le potentiel d'être utilisée dans plusieurs produits capillaires, en raison de leurs propriétés bénéfiques. Parallèlement, les cosmétiques d'origine végétale sont devenus plus populaires au fil des ans auprès des consommateurs qui préfèrent une approche plus sûre, naturelle et durable. Il existe un manque d'études combinant les huiles végétales et la nanotechnologie pour les formulations de traitement capillaire. Dans ce travail, différentes nanoémulsions contenant de l'huile végétale ont été préparées pour étudier l'influence de leur taille de particule, de leur potentiel zêta et de leur composition sur l'efficacité du traitement capillaire. MÉTHODES: Les huiles de noix de coco, d'olive et d'Abyssinie, seules ou en combinaison, ont été chargées dans des nanoémulsions par méthode d'homogénéisation à haute pression (HPH). La taille moyenne des particules, l'indice de polydispersité et le potentiel zêta ont été mesurés par la méthode de diffusion dynamique de la lumière (DLS), et un test de stabilité a été effectué pendant cinq mois. Une évaluation sensoriel réalisée par l'analyste et le test de peignage à l'aide de l'instrumentation Dia - Stron® ont été appliqués sur les cheveux traités par ces nanoémulsions. RÉSULTATS: L'utilisation de différentes huiles végétales pour la nanoémulsion a donné des tailles de particules finales et un potentiel zêta distinct. Cependant, les résultats n'ont suggéré aucune différence significative entre eux dans l'efficacité du peignage des cheveux par rapport aux tests d'instruments Dia-Stron®. De plus, la nanoémulsion chargée avec une concentration plus élevée de tensioactif cationique a indiqué une réduction de 50% de la force de peignage en utilisant ce dispositif par rapport au contrôle, et, le screening a montré de meilleurs résultats sensoriels par rapport aux autres nanoémulsions et contrôle. CONCLUSION: La composition des huiles végétales, la taille des particules ou le potentiel zêta des nanoémulsions préparées ne semblent pas influencer significativement les performances capillaires. Ainsi, nous suggérons que trouver le bon équilibre entre un tensioactif cationique et des huiles végétales peut être la voie la plus appropriée pour développer des nanoémulsions efficaces dans le traitement des cheveux.

Use of an Integrated Geochemical and Ecotoxicological Approach to Evaluate Sediment Metal Contamination in Three Protected Estuarine Areas Along the Coast of São Paulo State, Brazil.

We compared sediment quality in estuaries at three locations along the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil, using geochemical analyses and whole sediment toxicity tests, during the southern summer and winter of 2013. Each locality is afforded a distinct degree of legal protection, and exhibits a different level of metal pollution: overall, Rio Diana (RD, the most polluted, a Permanent Protection Area) > Rio Itapanhaú (RI, intermediate contamination, an Environmental Protection Area) > Rio Picinguaba (RP, pristine, a State Park). Chronic sediment toxicity tests evaluated reproductive rates of the copepod Nitokra sp. RI sediments showed the highest metal concentrations and toxicity in both seasons. Metal concentrations at RD were low but toxic in summer. RP sediments were not contaminated, suggesting effective legal protection from pollution at this locality. RI and RD, although provided some legal protection, showed clear signs of environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for more effective pollution control.

Final Results of GERDA on the Search for Neutrinoless Double-ß Decay.

The GERmanium Detector Array (GERDA) experiment searched for the lepton-number-violating neutrinoless double-ß (0νßß) decay of ^{76}Ge, whose discovery would have far-reaching implications in cosmology and particle physics. By operating bare germanium diodes, enriched in ^{76}Ge, in an active liquid argon shield, GERDA achieved an unprecedently low background index of 5.2×10^{-4} counts/(keV kg yr) in the signal region and met the design goal to collect an exposure of 100 kg yr in a background-free regime. When combined with the result of Phase I, no signal is observed after 127.2 kg yr of total exposure. A limit on the half-life of 0νßß decay in ^{76}Ge is set at T_{1/2}>1.8×10^{26} yr at 90% C.L., which coincides with the sensitivity assuming no signal.

Metal-Associated Biomarker Responses in Crabs from a Marine Protected Area in Southeastern Brazil.

The environmental quality of a Ramsar wetland site located at the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Protected Area (CIP-PA), in São Paulo, Brazil, was assessed by geochemical analyses and biomarker assessments (GPx, GST, GSH, GST, MT, LPO, DNA damage) performed in swimming crab Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 organs (posterior and anterior gills and hepatopancreas) to estimate sediment contaminant bioavailability. The results indicated that two sampling stations, PT and PM, exhibited the worst environmental conditions, as sediments collected at both points contained metal contamination, while crabs exhibited significant responses for GPx, GST, and LPO (mostly during winter). Sediment contamination tended to be associated to fine sediments (both seasons) and organic matter (winter). During the summer survey, Pb concentrations in sediments of station PT exceeded the Brazilian Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and the Canadian Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines. Metal concentrations in sediments sampled in winter were higher compared with summer, with Co, Ni, and Pb exceeding SQGs levels at PT, whereas Co, Ni, Hg, Zn, and Pb exceeded SQGs at PM. Biomarker induction during summer appeared to be caused by natural variables (water salinity and temperature, and molting cycle), whereas oxidative stress and tissue damage during winter appeared to be more clearly linked to metal contamination. Anterior gills presented the clearest signs of seasonal variability, being more responsive to sediment contamination. The results suggest that metals originated from the upper Ribeira de Iguape River are transported toward the estuarine system, causing effects on C. danae individuals. Additionally, seasonality is a strong factor concerning CIP-PA toxicity, since the rainfall regime significantly modifies the freshwater flow and, consequently, estuarine water salinity, suspended particle and metal inputs, as well as the location of depositional areas. Thus, efforts to mitigate CIP-PA contamination should be based on the control of upstream pollution sources.

Multi-generational exposure to Pb in two monophyletic Daphnia species: Individual, functional and population related endpoints.

To better evaluate chemical damage in chronically contaminated habitats, a nine-generational exposure to Lead (Pb) was done with two monophyletic Daphnia species, from temperate (Daphnia magna) and tropical (Daphnia similis) environments. The multi-generational test consisted generally of a continuous Pb exposed set of organisms, plus an extra control set running simultaneously. To assess daphnids recovery after Pb exposure, some organisms from the sixth generation were transferred to clean media for three extra generations (recovery period; F6 to F9), while others were keep Pb exposed. All setups (control, Pb exposure and recovery period) were submitted to two different dietary regimes, the standard (3 × 105 cells/mL) and restricted food (1.5 × 105 cells/mL) regimes. To evaluate the effects of generational Pb exposure and food regimes, individual, functional and population related endpoints were assessed (number of offspring, body length and rate of population increase (r) and feeding rate (FR)). The tests were conducted on the first (F0) and last generations (F9). No differences were shown on number of offspring and feeding among F9 control and continuous Pb exposed D. magna, although a higher r was shown for F9 Pb exposed organisms. F9 Pb exposed D. similis also presented a higher r than F9 control, however, lethality was induced at high Pb exposure levels. At food restriction the patterns were opposite and D. magna died at high Pb exposure while Pb exposed D. similis was the only setup (compared to control and recovery period) to survive at high Pb exposure levels. Regarding the recovery period, D. magna (standard food) did not cope well with the Pb re-exposure and lethality was induced, while D. similis indicate a decreased Pb sensitivity (only setup that survived high Pb exposure levels). Under food restriction, both species presented a decreased Pb sensitivity and consequent failed recovery (possibly due to epigenetic changes). Both species presented similar patterns regarding generations. Organisms from F0 presented enhanced reproductive outputs in comparison to F9 and the contrary occurred to the FR (even in control organisms). Data show an acclimation under a generational Pb exposure, which could increase the population of adapted organisms in natural habitats. And, since there was not a full recovery after three generations in clean media, an indication of epigenetic changes for both species may also be considered.

Toxicity of lead and mancozeb differs in two monophyletic Daphnia species.

Lead and mancozeb are two important chemicals used for different human purposes and activities worldwide. Hazard assessment in different areas of the world is carried out with different but phylogenetically similar species, adapted to different climatic conditions, in order to increase relevance. This study evaluated the sensitivity of two monophyletic species, the tropical species Daphnia similis and the temperate species Daphnia magna, to the two chemicals lead and mancozeb. Standard acute and chronic ecotoxicological tests (reproduction and growth), as well as other sublethal measurements such as the intrinsic rate of population increase (r), feeding rate (FR) and O2 consumption, were recorded along with the analysis of the AChE activity to determine the neurotoxicity of both contaminants. Albeit their similar evolutionary status, D. magna generally presented a lower sensitivity to Pb in comparison to D. similis. Despite the differences in sensitivity, both species presented similar patterns of response under Pb exposure, with diminished reproductive outputs, feeding impairment, reduced O2 consumption and no effect on AChE activity. Mancozeb decreased the reproduction, rate of population increase and feeding rate, increased the AChE activity in both species and increased O2 consumption only in D. magna. While D. magna increased O2 consumption under mancozeb exposure, no effects were observed for D. similis. Thus, species may present different responses and sensitivities to different pollutants, regardless of their phylogeny. Therefore, the use of ecotoxicological assays with native species is crucial for a better ecological risk assessment in contaminated areas.

Low-Mass Dark Matter Search with the DarkSide-50 Experiment.

We present the results of a search for dark matter weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) in the mass range below 20 GeV/c^{2} using a target of low-radioactivity argon with a 6786.0 kg d exposure. The data were obtained using the DarkSide-50 apparatus at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The analysis is based on the ionization signal, for which the DarkSide-50 time projection chamber is fully efficient at 0.1 keVee. The observed rate in the detector at 0.5 keVee is about 1.5 event/keVee/kg/d and is almost entirely accounted for by known background sources. We obtain a 90% C.L. exclusion limit above 1.8 GeV/c^{2} for the spin-independent cross section of dark matter WIMPs on nucleons, extending the exclusion region for dark matter below previous limits in the range 1.8-6 GeV/c^{2}.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark-Matter-Electron Scattering from the DarkSide-50 Experiment.

We present new constraints on sub-GeV dark-matter particles scattering off electrons based on 6780.0 kg d of data collected with the DarkSide-50 dual-phase argon time projection chamber. This analysis uses electroluminescence signals due to ionized electrons extracted from the liquid argon target. The detector has a very high trigger probability for these signals, allowing for an analysis threshold of three extracted electrons, or approximately 0.05 keVee. We calculate the expected recoil spectra for dark matter-electron scattering in argon and, under the assumption of momentum-independent scattering, improve upon existing limits from XENON10 for dark-matter particles with masses between 30 and 100 MeV/c^{2}.

Concentration-dependent effect of bleaching agents on the immunolabelling of interleukin-6, interleukin-17 and CD5-positive cells in the dental pulp.

AIM: To evaluate lymphocyte-like cell activation (CD5-positive cells) and the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17 in the pulp after tooth bleaching with two concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). METHODOLOGY: The right and left maxillary molars from 40 rats were treated randomly with bleaching gel with 20% H2 O2 (BLUE group, 1 application of 50 min), 35% H2 O2 (MAXX group, three applications of 15 min), or placebo gel (control). After 2 and 30 days, the rats were killed (n = 10), and the jaws were processed for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis of the pulp tissue. The scores of inflammation and immunolabelling (IL-6/IL-17) were submitted to Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis followed Dunn tests, respectively; anova tests were used for comparisons of number of CD5-positive cells and pulp chamber area values (P < 0.05). RESULTS: At 2 days, 60% of specimens of the BLUE group were associated with moderate inflammation in pulp horns, and in the MAXX group with necrosis (P < 0.05). At 30 days, the pulp was organized, and tertiary dentine was formed. The MAXX group had superior immunolabelling of IL-17 at 2 days differing significantly from other groups (P < 0.05). At 2 days, 90% of the specimens of the BLUE group had moderate immunolabelling of IL-6, and 50% of the MAXX group had severe immunolabelling, both significantly different from the control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups at 30 days (P > 0.05). CD5-positive cells were present at 2 and 30 days, particularly in the bleached groups (P < 0.05), without significant difference between time periods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 and IL-17 participated in inflammation in the pulp tissue of rats after tooth bleaching, particularly at 2 days. The immunolabelling was greater with increasing H2 O2 concentration. This process was accompanied by the prolonged activation of CD5-positive cells.

Hypertrophic reversed palmaris longus muscle: a cadaveric finding.

Variations of the forearm musculature are vastly described in the literature. The palmaris longus muscle is one of the most variable structures of the human body. It usually arises from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and inserts itself into the palmar aponeurosis. Anatomy textbooks and recent papers state that this muscle may act as a weak wrist flexor. The present work aims to report an anatomical variation where the palmaris longus muscle was abnormally hypertrophied and was completely fleshy throughout the whole forearm. Anatomical variations of the palmaris longus may induce symptoms of neurovascular bundle compression, especially of the median nerve. The palmaris longus muscle may be used in tendon graft or muscle graft, due to its lack of apparent function. Furthermore, it is one of the anatomical landmarks for local anaesthesia procedures. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 403-405).

Metformin improves performance in high-intensity exercise, but not anaerobic capacity in healthy male subjects.

The aim of this study was to determine the ergogenic effects of metformin in high-intensity exercise, as well as its effects on anaerobic capacity, in healthy and physically active men. Ten subjects (mean (± standard deviation) maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max ) 38.6 ± 4.5 mL/kg per min) performed the following tests in a cycle ergometer: (i) an incremental test; (ii) six submaximal constant workload tests at 40%-90% (V˙O2max ); and (iii) two supramaximal tests (110% (V˙O2max ). Metformin (500 mg) or placebo was ingested 60 min before the supramaximal test. There were no significant differences between the placebo and metformin groups in terms of maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.8 L, respectively; P = 0.08), lactate concentrations (7.8 ± 2.6 vs 7.5 ± 3.0 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.75) or O2 consumed in either the last 30 s of exercise (40.4 ± 4.4 vs 39.9 ± 4.0 mL/kg per min, respectively; P = 0.35) or the first 110 s of exercise (29.0 ± 2.5 vs 29.5 ± 3.0 mL/kg per min, respectively; P = 0.42). Time to exhaustion was significantly higher after metformin than placebo ingestion (191 ± 33 vs 167 ± 32 s, respectively; P = 0.001). The fast component of V˙O2 recovery was higher in the metformin than placebo group (12.71 vs 12.18 mL/kg per min, respectively; P = 0.025). Metformin improved performance and anaerobic alactic contribution during high-intensity exercise, but had no effect on overall anaerobic capacity in healthy subjects.

Intestinal permeability and incidence of diarrhea in newborn calves.

Seventy-six newborn Holstein calves (44.4 ± 6.15 kg of body weight) were involved in this study from birth until 21 d of age. Within 2 h after birth, calves received 4 L of maternal colostrum via an esophageal tube. The following 3 meals consisted of 2 L of late colostrum (or transition milk). After that, calves were fed 1.5 L of milk replacer (22.9% CP, 20.1% fat) twice daily. Calves were considered diarrheic when they showed fecal scores ≥ 3 for 3 consecutive days. Then, data from a random subset of 30 calves (45.9 ± 5.47 kg of body weight), 15 that never had diarrhea and 15 that had diarrhea, were used to assess potential associations between intestinal permeability and incidence of diarrhea. On d 0, 7, 14, and 21 of life, intestinal permeability of calves was measured by dosing 2 markers (lactulose and d-mannitol) and assessing their concentration in serum by ultra-HPLC-mass spectrometry. Plasma IgG concentration was measured at birth and at 6 h, 24 h, and 12 d after first colostrum intake, and efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated. Plasma and colostrum IgG contents were determined by radial immunodiffusion and bacterial load in colostrum samples by colony counting. All diarrhea incidences occurred between 7 to 14 d of life. Overall colostrum quality was good, with an IgG content > 100mg/mL, but total bacterial load was slightly high (> 100,000 cfu/mL). However, there were no differences in these 2 parameters between colostrums consumed by calves that did and those that did not incur diarrhea later in life, and efficiency of IgG transfer from colostrum to bloodstream was similar for all calves. Diarrheic calves had greater serum lactulose concentrations than healthy calves throughout the first 21 d of life. Furthermore, diarrheic calves tended to have a greater serum lactulose-to-d-mannitol ratio from birth until 21 d of life compared with healthy calves. In conclusion, calves that incur diarrhea show an altered intestinal permeability within the first 2 h of life compared with those that do not suffer scours.

Raloxifene modulates regulators of osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis in an oestrogen deficiency periapical lesion model.

AIM: To analyse the local regulatory mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis during the progression of periapical lesions in female rats with oestrogen deficiency and treatment with raloxifene (RLX). METHODOLOGY: Female Wistar rats were distributed into groups: SHAM-veh, subjected to sham surgery and treated with a vehicle; OVX-veh, subjected to ovary removal and treated with a vehicle; and OVX-RLX, subjected to ovary removal and treated with RLX. Vehicle or RLX was administered orally for 90 days. During treatment, the dental pulp of mandibular first molars was exposed to the oral environment for induction of periapical lesions, which were analysed after 7 and 30 days. After the experimental periods, blood samples were collected for measurement of oestradiol, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. The rats were euthanized and the mandibles removed and processed for immunohistochemical detection of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP). Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn test (nonparametric values) and anova followed by the Tukey's test (parametric values). RESULTS: The plasma concentration of oestradiol showed hypo-oestrogenism in the rats subjected to ovary removal. On day 7, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium and phosphorus were higher in the OVX-RLX group than in the OVX-veh group (P < 0.001), but immunolabelling for RANKL and HIF-1α was lower in OVX-RLX group (P < 0.001). On day 30, the OVX-veh group had higher immunolabelling for RANKL than the OVX-RLX group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the immunoreactivity of OPG and BALP between any groups at either time-point (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: RLX therapy reversed the increased levels of the local regulators of both osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis induced by oestrogen deficiency.

Interaction between milk allowance and fat content of the starter feed on performance of Holstein calves.

Sixty-six Holstein male calves [42 ± 6.0 kg of body weight (BW) and 12 ± 3.1 d of age] were housed individually and allocated to 1 of 4 treatments following a 2 × 2 factorial complete randomized design to assess the potential interaction between milk replacer (MR) allowance and fat content in the starter feed. Thus, 4 treatments were evaluated: a low-fat (4.1% fat; LF) starter feed offered along with 4 L/d of MR (4 LF), a high-fat (11.2% fat; HF) starter feed plus 4 L/d of MR (4 HF), a LF starter feed offered with 6 L/d of MR (6LF), and an HF starter feed offered with 6 L/d of MR (6 HF). Calves were fed either 4 or 6 L/d of MR (25% crude protein and 19.2% fat) in 2 offers (0800 and 1630 h) and had ad libitum access to either an LF or an HF starter feed (21.4 and 22.3% crude protein). Calves were weaned at wk 6 of study by halving the daily MR allowance for 1 wk. Individual MR and starter feed intakes were recorded daily and BW was determined weekly. A glucose tolerance test was performed on d 30 of study to evaluate the effects of increased energy provision on glucose metabolism. Apparent feed digestibility was measured for the last 5 d of study. Overall, fat content of starter feed had no effect on solid feed intake. However, during wk 8 of study (after weaning), calves in the LF treatment had greater starter feed intake than HF calves. Calves on 6 L/d of MR had greater BW than calves fed 4 L/d from the second week of study until weaning. After weaning, 6 LF calves had lesser BW than 6 HF calves. Calves on 6 L/d of MR had greater average daily gain than calves fed 4 L/d, and 6 HF calves tended to have the greatest average daily gain. Glucose clearance rate tended to be lesser for HF than for LF calves. In conclusion, offering 6 L/d of MR increased growth performance before weaning and, when offering 6 L/d of MR, feeding a high-fat starter feed resulted in the greatest BW after weaning.