Detection of ectoparasites and investigation of infection by Rickettsia spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of ectoparasites and the occurrence of natural infection by Rickettsia spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The evaluated animals were obtained from the Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, sent by the Centro Estadual de Vigilância Sanitária, to carry out rabies diagnostic tests, during the period from 2016 to 2021. The bats came from 34 municipalities in RS. Of the 109 animals surveyed, 35.8% (39/109) had 385 ectoparasites, with an average of 9.9 parasites per animal. Of these bats, all had insectivorous feeding habits, with 35.9% (14/39) females and 64.1% (25/39) males. The co-parasitism of Chirnyssoides sp., Ewingana inaequalis, and Chiroptonyssus robustipes on Molossus currentium (Mammalia, Chiroptera) was recorded for the first time. All bats surveyed were negative for infection by the protozoan and bacteria. Thus, the expansion of the occurrence of these ectoparasites in insectivorous bats in RS was observed. Furthermore, this study corresponds to the first recorded interspecific associations for the species.

Identification of infection by Leishmania spp. in wild and domestic animals in Brazil: a systematic review with meta-analysis (2001-2021).

Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. It generates different clinical manifestations in humans and animals, and it infects multiple hosts. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by sandfly vectors. The main objective of this systematic review was to identify the host, or reservoir animal species, of Leishmania spp., with the exception of domestic dogs, that were recorded in Brazil. This review included identification of diagnostic methods, and the species of protozoan circulating in the country. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted across index journals. This study covered the period from 2001 to 2021, and 124 studies were selected. Eleven orders possible hosts were identified, including 229 mammalian species. Perissodactyla had the highest number of infected individuals (30.69%, 925/3014), with the highest occurrence in horses. In Brazil, the most commonly infected species were found to be: horses, domestic cats, rodents, and marsupials. Bats, that were infected by one or more protozoan species, were identified as potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. Molecular tests were the most commonly used diagnostic methods (94 studies). Many studies have detected Leishmania spp. (n = 1422): Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (n = 705), Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (n = 319), and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (n = 141). Recognizing the species of animals involved in the epidemiology and biological cycle of the protozoan is important, as this allows for the identification of environmental biomarkers, knowledge of Leishmania species can improve the control zoonotic leishmaniasis.

Obtainment of an enriched fraction of Inga edulis: identification using UPLC-DAD-MS/MS and photochemopreventive screening.

Inga edulis is a fruit tree native from Central and South America. Different species of Inga have demonstrated high polyphenolic content and high antioxidant capacity. The oxidative stress significantly contributes to the development of several chronicle diseases, particularly age-related diseases. Therefore, photochemoprevention is an emerging interest in the use of naturally occurring antioxidants for their therapeutic use. A partial purification of the extract was carried out onto macroporous resin and the main components of I. edulis leaf extract and fraction were identified using UPLC-DAD-MS/MS as epicatechin, apigenin C-di-hexoside, myricetin-O-hexose-deoxyhexose, myricetin-O-deoxyhexose and vicenin-2, which was identified for the first time in I. edulis. Both extract and fraction presented high antioxidant capacity, the fraction exhibiting higher polyphenol and flavonoid contents and higher content of vicenin-2, suggesting that the fractioning process effectively resulted in the partial purification of the extract. The cytotoxicity and photostability were assessed in L929 fibroblast cells to evaluate whether I. edulis extract and fraction were suitable for topical application. The UVA and UVB irradiated extract and fraction did not decrease the antioxidant capacity and cell viability of L929 fibroblasts, demonstrating the photostability of the samples. The fractioning process successfully purified and enriched I. edulis extract, and both the extract and fraction are potential candidates to be safely incorporated in topical photochemopreventive formulations.

The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.

Transpersonal approach in psychotherapy is a controversial field, and there is a lack in scientific information. A search of Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO databases using: ["Altered states of consciousness" AND "Psychotherapy"] and ["Transpersonal" AND "Psychotherapy"] in December 2017 was conducted. From 629 articles found, 14 empirical studies were analyzed. Studies were conducted with adults, most of them women. The benefits were improvement in the treatment of substance use disorder; increased sensation of relaxation, relief of physical pain. Future studies should have rigorous experimental designs; define concepts clearly; detail the method used; present clear guidelines for the ethical boundaries.

Correction to: The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.

The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.

A temporal and spatial monitoring of organotin pollution in a harborside region of Brazil by imposex and ecological quality ratio using Leucozonia nassa.

This study represents the first use of Leucozonia nassa (Mollusca-Gastropoda) in a program of long-term monitoring. Specimens of L. nassa were collected between 2006 and 2014 and analyzed for the occurrence of imposex in two areas in Southeastern Brazil, one control area and another characterized by the presence of many ports and marinas. Imposex was evaluated in nine sites based on the percentage of females exhibiting imposex (I%), relative penis length index and vas deferens sequence index, classical indices to evaluate tributyltin (TBT) impacts. Moreover, this study uses for the first time in a tropical environment the ecological quality ratio (EQR), an approach to verify the imposex levels as an indicator of the impact by organotin compounds according to the EU Water Framework Directive. The results confirm the occurrence of high levels of imposex in L. nassa with all the indices evaluated. Furthermore, the results also indicate that, despite the international ban, antifouling paints based on TBT are still possibly used in Brazil. In addition, this study shows that L. nassa has the characteristics that make it a suitable bioindicator to monitor TBT pollution, and that the use of the EQR may create important data regarding this problem.

Duddingtonia flagrans and its crude proteolytic extract: concomitant action in sheep coprocultures.

The presence of infective larvae (L3) of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites in pastures directly contributes to the constant recurrence of infections in ruminant herds. This study aimed to evaluate the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) (proteolytic crude extract and/or conidia) in the in vitro control of GIN L3 in coprocultures. To produce the proteolytic crude extract, a suspension (107 conidia/mL) of D. flagrans was inoculated into a liquid medium. After 6 days, the medium was filtered, centrifuged, and its proteolytic activity was measured. For the experimental assay, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectal ampulla of naturally infected sheep, and egg counts per gram of feces (EPG) were performed. Coprocultures were prepared using 10 g of fecal material with the groups defined as follows: control group G1 (1.0 mL of denatured proteolytic crude extract); treated group G2 (1.0 mL of active proteolytic crude extract); treated group G3 (1.0 mL of active proteolytic crude extract + 1.0 mL of AC001 conidia). The coprocultures were maintained at room temperature (25ºC), for 7 days, and then the L3 larvae were recovered. The results demonstrated that AC001 successfully produced protease (56.34 U/mL). The treatments with active proteolytic crude extract (G2) and active proteolytic crude extract + AC001 conidia (G3) were significantly different (p < 0.01) from the control group with denatured proteolytic crude extract (G1). AC001 and its proteolytic crude extract acted concomitantly on helminths directly in the fecal environment, suggesting potential future applications in the field.

An oral formulation of angiotensin-(1-7) reverses corpus cavernosum damages induced by hypercholesterolemia.

INTRODUCTION: The renin angiotensin system plays a crucial role in erectile function. It has been shown that elevated angiotensin-II levels contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). Oppositely, angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-[1-7]) mediates penile erection by activation of receptor Mas. Recently, we have developed a formulation based on Ang-(1-7) inclusion in cyclodextrin (CyD) [Ang-(1-7)-CyD], which allows for the oral administration of Ang-(1-7). AIM: In the present study, we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with Ang-(1-7)-CyD on penile fibrosis, oxidative stress, and endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic mice. METHODS: Apolipoprotein(Apo)E-/- mice fed a Western-type diet for 11 weeks received Ang-(1-7)-CyD or vehicle during the final 3 weeks. Collagen content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within the corpus cavernosum were evaluated by Sirius red and dihydroethidium staining, respectively. Protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) subunits (p67-phox and p22-phox), and AT1 and Mas receptors in the penis was assessed by Western blotting. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess assay in the mice serum. Cavernosal strips were mounted in an isometric organ bath to evaluate the endothelial function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment on penile fibrosis, oxidative stress, and endothelial function in hypercholesterolemia-induced ED. RESULTS: Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment reduced collagen content in the corpus cavernosum of ApoE-/- mice. This effect was associated with an attenuation of ROS production and a diminished expression of NADPH. Furthermore, Ang-(1-7)-CyD treatment augmented the expression of nNOS and eNOS in the penis and elevated vascular NO production. Importantly, these effects were accompanied by an improvement in cavernosal endothelial function. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with Ang-(1-7)-CyD reduces penile fibrosis associated with attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, cavernosal endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic mice was markedly improved. These results suggest that Ang-(1-7)-CyD might have significant therapeutic benefits for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

[Content validation of the dimensions constituting non-adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension]. / Validação de conteúdo das dimensões constitutivas da não adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial.

The objective of the study was to validate the content of the dimensions that constituted nonadherence to treatment of arterial systemic hypertension. It was a methodological study of content validation. Initially an integrative review was conducted that demonstrated four dimensions of nonadherence: person, disease/treatment, health service, and environment. Definitions of these dimensions were evaluated by 17 professionals, who were specialists in the area, including: nurses, pharmacists and physicians. The Content Validity Index was calculated for each dimension (IVCi) and the set of the dimensions (IVCt), and the binomial test was conducted. The results permitted the validation of the dimensions with an IVCt of 0.88, demonstrating reasonable systematic comprehension of the phenomena of nonadherence.

Rhipicephalus microplus larvae: first report in bats, Molossus rufus.

Cattle are the main hosts of Rhipicephalus microplus; however, this ixodid can also parasitize other animal species. We collected a specimen of R. microplus larvae from one bat Molossus rufus (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from the Cachoeirinha municipality (29° 56' 52'' S and 51° 5' 43'' W), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The specimen was taxonomically identified using identification keys (Vargas 2006). This study reports the first occurrence of this species parasitizing insectivorous bats in Brazil.

In vitro inhibition of glucose gastro-intestinal enzymes and antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from different species.

The growing value of industrial collagen by-products has given rise to interest in extracting them from different species of animals. Intrinsic protein structure variation of collagen sources and its hydrolysis can bring about different bioactivities. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the differences in vitro biological potential of commercial bovine (BH), fish (FH), and porcine hydrolysates (PH) regarding their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. All samples showed percentages above 90% of protein content, with high levels of amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), responsible for the specific structure of collagen. The BH sample showed a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) (8.7%) and a higher percentage of smaller than 2 kDa peptides (74.1%). All collagens analyzed in vitro showed inhibition of pancreatic enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), with the potential to prevent diabetes mellitus. The PH sample showed higher antioxidant activities measured by ORAC (67.08 ± 4.23 µmol Trolox Eq./g) and ABTS radical scavenging (65.69 ± 3.53 µmol Trolox Eq./g) methods. For the first time, DNA protection was analyzed to hydrolyzed collagen peptides, and the FH sample showed a protective antioxidant action to supercoiled DNA both in the presence (39.51%) and in the absence (96.36%) of AAPH (reagent 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)). The results confirmed that the source of native collagen reflects on the bioactivity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, probably due to its amino acid composition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our data provide new application for collagen hydrolysates with hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activity. These data open discussion for future studies on the additional benefits arising from collagen peptide consumption for the prevention of aging complications or hyperglycemic conditions as observed in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type II (DM 2). The confirmation of these results can open new market areas for the use of collagen with pharmacological applications or to produce new supplements. Furthermore, provides a solution for waste collagen from meat industries and adds value to the product.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant prevents rat depression and modulates inflammatory and neurogenic molecules.

INTRODUCTION: Major depressive disorder is associated with chronic inflammation and deficient production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven effective in restoring non-depressive behavior. This study investigated whether BMMC transplantation can prevent the development of depression or anxiety in chronic mild stress (CMS), as well as its effect on inflammatory and neurogenic molecules. METHOD: Three groups of animals were compared: BMMC-transplanted animals subjected to CMS for 45 days, CMS non-transplanted rats, and control animals. After the CMS period, the three groups underwent the following behavioral tests: sucrose preference test (SPT), eating-related depression test (ERDT), social avoidance test (SAT), social interaction test (SIT), and elevated plus maze test (EPMT). Transplanted cell tracking and measurement of the expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), and BDNF were performed on brain and spleen tissues. RESULTS: BMMC transplantation prevented the effects of CMS in the SPT, ERDT, SAT, and SIT, while prevention was less pronounced in the EPMT. It was found to prevent increased HMGB-1 expression induced by CMS in the hippocampus and spleen, increase BDNF expression in both tissues, and prevent increased IL-1ß expression in the hippocampus alone, while no effect of the transplant was observed in the TNFα expression. In addition, no transplanted cells were found in either the brain or spleen. CONCLUSIONS: BMMC transplantation prevents the development of depression and anxiety-like behavior triggered by CMS. It could prevent increased HMGB-1 and IL-1ß expression in the hippocampus and increased BDNF expression in the same tissue. Cell treatment represents a further perspective in the research and treatment of depression and possible mood disorders.

Bioaccessibility of cashew nut kernel flour compounds released after simulated in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion.

Cashew nuts are mainly consumed as a roasted and salted snack. Lately, the industry has gained interest in broken kernels because of their added value. In this study, defatted cashew nut flour (DCF) underwent simulated gastrointestinal digestion to obtain a soluble (CDs) and an insoluble (CDi) digested fraction. These fractions, which resulted from the digestion of a complex matrix, were evaluated for antioxidant capacity of bioaccessible compounds (present on the soluble digested fraction, CDs) and their potential prebiotic effect, considering that the insoluble digested fraction (CDi) could be fermented by the microbiota in the gut. The DCF had a high protein content (40.74%), being nutritionally characterized as a balanced source of amino acids, with a predominance of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), threonine and histidine. The digested DCF presented 76.90% of the soluble components of low molecular weight (0.1-2 kDa), which is typical of antioxidant peptides. The soluble digested fraction (CDs) significantly increased the antioxidant capacity in relation to flour in the ORAC and ABTS assays and the aqueous extract presented the highest values (526.0 and 76.64 as µmol Trolox Eq./g sample, respectively). The CDs protected 29.03% of the supercoiled DNA band and ratified the potential antioxidant capacity after GID in a physiological assay. In addition, the insoluble digested fraction showed a potential prebiotic effect for Bifdobacterium lactis BB-12. Finally, simulated gastrointestinal digestion improves the bioaccessibility of CDF antioxidant compounds as a complex matrix, containing low molecular weight peptides and phenolic compounds, which become more available to react with reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the potential prebiotic effect of defatted cashew nut flour has yielded a promising solution for the total reuse of broken cashew nut kernel as a functional food ingredient.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is down regulated after bovine alpha-herpesvirus 5 infection in both wild-type and TLR3/7/9 deficient mice.

Neurotrophic factors have been implicated in the control of neuronal survival and plasticity in different brain diseases. Meningoencephalitis caused by bovine alpha-herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) infection is a frequent neurological disease of young cattle, being the involvement of apoptosis in the development of neuropathological changes frequently discussed in the literature. It's well known that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can activate neuroinflammatory response and consequently lead to neuronal loss. However, there are no studies evaluating the expression of neurotrophic factors and their association with brain pathology and TLRs during the infection by BoHV-5. The current study aimed to analyze brain levels of neurotrophic factors along with neuropathological changes during acute infection by BoHV-5 in wild-type (WT) and TLR3/7/9 (TLR3/7/9-/-) deficiency mice. The infection was induced by intracranial inoculation of 1 × 104 TCID50 of BoHV-5. Infected animals presented similar degrees of clinical signs and neuropathological changes. Both infected groups had meningoencephalitis and neuronal damage in CA regions from hippocampus. BoHV-5 infection promoted the proliferation of Iba-1 positive cells throughout the neuropil, mainly located in the frontal cortex. Moreover, significant lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected in both BoHV-5 infected WT and TLR3/7/9 deficient mice, compared with non-infected animals. Our study showed that BDNF down regulation was associated with brain inflammation, reactive microgliosis and neuronal loss after bovine alpha-herpesvirus 5 infection in mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that combined TLR3/7/9 deficiency does not alter those parameters.

Continuity of Cancer Care: The Surgical Experience of Two Large Cancer Hubs in London and Milan.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a large effect on the management of cancer patients. This study reports on the approach and outcomes of cancer patients receiving radical surgery with curative intent between March and September 2020 (in comparison to 2019) in the European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS (IEO) in Milan and the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA). Both institutions implemented a COVID-19 minimal pathway where patients were required to self-isolate prior to admission and were swabbed for COVID-19 within 72 h of surgery. Positive patients had surgery deferred until a negative swab. At IEO, radical surgeries declined by 6% as compared to the same period in 2019 (n = 1477 vs. 1560, respectively). Readmissions were required for 3% (n = 41), and <1% (n = 9) developed COVID-19, of which only one had severe disease and died. At SELCA, radical surgeries declined by 34% (n = 1553 vs. 2336). Readmissions were required for 11% (n = 36), <1% (n = 7) developed COVID-19, and none died from it. Whilst a decline in number of surgeries was observed in both centres, the implemented COVID-19 minimal pathways have shown to be safe for cancer patients requiring radical treatment, with limited complications and almost no COVID-19 infections.

Biochemical biomarkers in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to mixtures of benzo[a]pyrene and diazinon.

Biochemical biomarkers (the activities of acetylcholinesterase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deetilase, carboxylesterase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) were evaluated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that had been exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and the organophosphate pesticide diazinon (DZ), at 0.5mg/L. The animals were pre-exposed to BaP for three days, and DZ was then added to both non-exposed and pre-exposed groups, being exposed for 2 and 7 additional days. The level of BaP was also measured in the bile. BaP caused the induction of phase I and II enzymes, and DZ caused carboxylesterase inhibition in gills but not in liver. AChE activity was unchanged. No significant modulation was observed in antioxidant enzymes. When in combination with BaP, DZ caused a significant decrease of EROD and GST induction. Levels of BaP in the bile were also increased in fish exposed to BaP combined with DZ, indicating an interference of DZ in responses activated by BaP.

Intravenous infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells promotes functional recovery and improves impaired cognitive function via inhibition of Rho guanine nucleotide triphosphatases and inflammatory signals in a model of chronic epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of intractable epilepsy in adults. More than 30% of individuals with epilepsy have persistent seizures and have drug-resistant epilepsy. Based on our previous findings, treatment with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) could interfere with early and chronic phase epilepsy in rats and in clinical settings. In this pilocarpine-induced epilepsy model, animals were randomly assigned to two groups: control (Con) and epileptic pre-treatment (Ep-pre-t). The latter had status epilepticus (SE) induced through pilocarpine intraperitoneal injection. Later, seizure frequency was assessed using a video-monitoring system. Ep-pre-t was further divided into epileptic treated with saline (Ep-Veh) and epileptic treated with BMMC (Ep-BMMC) after an intravenous treatment with BMMC was done on day 22 after SE. Analysis of neurobehavioral parameters revealed that Ep-BMMC had significantly lower frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in comparison to Ep-pre-t and Ep-Veh groups. Hippocampus-dependent spatial and non-spatial learning and memory were markedly impaired in epileptic rats, a deficit that was robustly recovered by treatment with BMMC. Moreover, long-term potentiation-induced synaptic remodeling present in epileptic rats was restored by BMMC. In addition, BMMC was able to reduce abnormal mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus. Molecular analysis in hippocampal tissue revealed that BMMC treatment down-regulates the release of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) as well as the Rho subfamily of small GTPases [Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac)]. Collectively, delayed BMMC treatment showed positive effects when intravenously infused into chronic epileptic rats.

Isolation and Sequencing of Cu-, Fe-, and Zn-Binding Whey Peptides for Potential Neuroprotective Applications as Multitargeted Compounds.

This study aims to isolate metal-binding peptides and synthesize promising amino acid sequences to potentially act as neuroprotective compounds in the future, targeting different mechanisms. Fractions of whey metal-binding peptides (Cu, Fe, and Zn) isolated by immobilized metal affinity chromatography showed different amino acid profiles according to the metal. The Cu-binding peptides presented roughly twofold increase in the in vitro antioxidant, as assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity and anticholinesterase activities over the hydrolysate. This is probably because of the higher concentration of aromatic and basic residues, the latter being crucial for binding to the anionic sites of acetylcholinesterase. Six peptide sequences were synthesized based on the metal-binding sites, molecular mass, hydrophobicity, and bioactivity probability. Among the synthetic peptides, the VF dipeptide stood out both for its in vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. This peptide, as well as the fraction of Cu-binding peptides, should be further studied because it may act through different mechanisms related to neurodegenerative diseases, in addition to the chelation of the excess of metals in the central nervous system.

Ruminal metabolism of flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum) lignans to the mammalian lignan enterolactone and its concentration in ruminal fluid, plasma, urine and milk of dairy cows.

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside is the main flax (Linum usitatissimum) lignan that is converted to the mammalian lignans enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL) by gastrointestinal microbiota. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the role of ruminal microbiota and the effects of flax oil on in vivo metabolism of flax lignans and concentration of EL in biological fluids. Four rumen-cannulated dairy cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. There were four periods of 21 d each and four treatments utilising flax hulls (1800 g/d) and oil (400 g/d) supplements. The treatments were: (1) oil and hulls administered in the rumen and abomasal infusion of water; (2) oil and hulls administered in the abomasum; (3) oil infused in the abomasum and hulls placed in the rumen; (4) oil placed in the rumen and hulls administered in the abomasum. Samples were collected during the last week of each period and subjected to chemical analysis. The site of supplementation of oil and hulls had no effect on ruminal EL concentration. Supplementing flax oil in the rumen and the abomasum led to similar EL concentrations in urine, plasma and milk. Concentrations of EL were higher in the urine, plasma and milk of cows supplemented with hulls in the rumen than in those placed with hulls in the abomasum. The present study demonstrated that ruminal microbiota play an important role in the metabolism of flax lignans.

The interaction of monensin and flaxseed hulls on ruminal and milk concentration of the mammalian lignan enterolactone in late-lactating dairy cows.

Four ruminally fistulated multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to a 4x4 Latin square design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to study the effects of dietary supplementation of monensin and flaxseed hulls on ruminal and milk concentration of the mammalian lignan enterolactone (EL) and ruminal and faecal activity of beta-glucuronidase. The hypothesis was that monensin supplementation has no effect on the incorporation of EL into milk when cows are fed flaxseed hulls. Treatments were: 1) control, neither flaxseed hulls nor monensin (CO); 2) diet containing (dry matter basis) 20% flaxseed hulls (FH); 3) diet with monensin (16 mg/kg of dry matter; MO); 4) diet containing 20% (dry matter basis) flaxseed hulls and 16 mg/kg monensin (HM). Intake of dry matter was higher for CO and MO than for FH and HM and monensin had no effect. Milk production decreased in cows fed flaxseed hulls while monensin had no effect. Production of 4% fat-corrected milk and concentrations of milk fat, lactose, urea N, and total solids were similar among treatments. Although there was a decrease in ruminal activity of beta-glucuronidase when feeding flaxseed hulls, the metabolism of plant into mammalian lignans may be increased as shown by enhanced concentration of EL in the rumen and milk. Supplementation with flaxseed hulls then may contribute to favourably change milk composition for better human health by enhancing mammalian lignan EL concentration.