Hematologic variables of the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa) under the effects of different anticoagulants and cytologic stains.

BACKGROUND: The hematology of turtles of the Amazon, such as the Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa), has not been well described in the literature. Referencing how to collect and analyze blood samples is fundamental for the medical practice of these exotic animals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematologic parameters of Arrau turtles of the Amazon to determine the best anticoagulant (EDTA, citrate, or sodium heparin) and cytologic stain (Giemsa, Quick Panoptic, or Rosenfeld) for use with this species. METHODS: Blood samples from eight turtles were collected. Three blood smears were made using blood without anticoagulant, and the rest of the sample was distributed in three tubes, containing EDTA, citrate, and sodium heparin, for erythrogram and leukogram analyses. RESULTS: All blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA showed marked hemolysis. Blood collected with citrate showed minimal hemolysis, and blood collected with sodium heparin did not have any hemolysis. Some analyses were not performed on blood containing EDTA because of the intense hemolysis. The erythrocyte variables were obtained and showed better results for blood samples in heparin. Blood smears without anticoagulant were appropriate for differential leukocyte counts with the three stain types, while blood with any of the anticoagulants made it difficult to differentiate leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium heparin showed the best results and should be the anticoagulant of choice for hematologic studies in P expansa. All cytologic stains were efficient, allowing adequate identification of distinct cell groups. Leukocyte differentiation was assured and had better contrast using blood smears made from blood without an anticoagulant.

Acute responses to barefoot 5 km treadmill running involve changes in landing kinematics and delayed onset muscle soreness.

BACKGROUND: Barefoot running has gained popularity among physical activity practitioners, but there is a lack of information regarding the acute adaptations to this running technique without supervision. Information about acute adaptations can help to define the best way to insert barefoot running in the routine of runners willing to, and also provide orientation for those people who want to experience this technique. RESEARCH QUESTION: What acute adaptations can be observed among recreational runners exposed to barefoot running? METHODS: Sagittal 2D kinematics, plantar pressure, foot sensitivity and delayed onset muscle soreness were compared between conditions of shod and barefoot running in 13 recreational runners who performed two trials of 5 km treadmill running. RESULTS: We found an acute effect of barefoot running on foot landing that changes from a rearfoot strike to a forefoot strike pattern. This change most likely contributed to the increase in neuromuscular recruitment of calf muscles (i.e. gastrocnemius and soleus) resulting in higher perception of delayed onset muscle soreness. Barefoot running also elicited higher stride cadence. Plantar pressure before and after running revealed higher pressure in the different foot regions after barefoot running. Foot sensitivity increased after running regardless of the footwear condition. CONCLUSION: Barefoot running has acute effects on running technique including higher perception of delayed onset muscle soreness in the 48 h following the exercise. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results highlight the importance of following participants for days after a first session of barefoot running in order to properly manage the acute adaptation periods as well provide precise advices for those trying the barefoot technique.

International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis Practice Recommendations: The view of the person who is doing or who has done peritoneal dialysis.

The 2019 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Practice Recommendations were prepared by a committee invited by the ISPD to develop new practice recommendations for prescribing high-quality, goal-directed peritoneal dialysis (PD). Further input was sought at the stage of the first draft of the proposed recommendations by circulating drafts of the recommendations and articles to an international selection of people who were either actively doing PD or who were previously treated with PD, as well as caregivers, to ask for their feedback. A diverse group of 22 people from 8 countries across 5 continents provided their feedback covering the main recommendations as well as the accompanying articles. Much of the feedback has been acted upon at the revision stages, however, the responses are published here in summary form to underscore the commitment to hearing the voice of those doing PD or caring for them. A key change that arose from the feedback has been the shift of language from "patient-centred" to "person-centered," reflecting the desire of these recommendations to address the patient as a person with needs and preferences beyond just the medical perspective, along with the need for the person doing PD to be central to the process of shared decision-making. Notwithstanding the challenges of an international, multi-lingual population, with people doing PD in highly diverse geographic and economic environments, the next iteration of ISPD guidelines should consider the role of people doing PD and their carers in evidence-based coproduced guidelines, from the inception of the guidelines.

Geraniol Encapsulated in Chitosan/Gum Arabic Nanoparticles: A Promising System for Pest Management in Sustainable Agriculture.

The nanoencapsulation of botanical compounds (such as geraniol) is an important strategy that can be used to increase the stability and efficiency of these substances in integrated pest management. In this study, chitosan/gum arabic nanoparticles containing geraniol were prepared and characterized. In addition, evaluation was made of the biological activity of geraniol encapsulated in chitosan/gum arabic nanoparticles toward whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci). The optimized formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and remained stable for about 120 days. The formulation protected the geraniol against degradation by UV radiation, and the in vitro release was according to a diffusion mechanism that was influenced by temperature. An attraction effect was observed for Bemisia tabaci, indicating the potential of this type of system for use in pest management, especially in trap devices.

Endosymbiosis in trypanosomatid protozoa: the bacterium division is controlled during the host cell cycle.

Mutualism is defined as a beneficial relationship for the associated partners and usually assumes that the symbiont number is controlled. Some trypanosomatid protozoa co-evolve with a bacterial symbiont that divides in coordination with the host in a way that results in its equal distribution between daughter cells. The mechanism that controls this synchrony is largely unknown, and its comprehension might provide clues to understand how eukaryotic cells evolved when acquiring symbionts that later became organelles. Here, we approached this question by studying the effects of inhibitors that affect the host exclusively in two symbiont-bearing trypanosomatids, Strigomonas culicis and Angomonas deanei. We found that inhibiting host protein synthesis using cycloheximide or host DNA replication using aphidicolin did not affect the duplication of bacterial DNA. Although the bacteria had autonomy to duplicate their DNA when host protein synthesis was blocked by cycloheximide, they could not complete cytokinesis. Aphidicolin promoted the inhibition of the trypanosomatid cell cycle in the G1/S phase, leading to symbiont filamentation in S. culicis but not in A. deanei. Treatment with camptothecin blocked the host protozoa cell cycle in the G2 phase and induced the formation of filamentous symbionts in both species. Oryzalin, which affects host microtubule polymerization, blocked trypanosomatid mitosis and abrogated symbiont division. Our results indicate that host factors produced during the cell division cycle are essential for symbiont segregation and may control the bacterial cell number.