Cumulus-oocyte complexes from sows show differences in lipid metabolism compared to cumulus-oocyte complexes from prepubertal gilts during in vitro maturation.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of donor age on lipid metabolism during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pigs cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We evaluated transcript levels of genes, the percentage of ooplasm occupied by lipid droplets (LD) and evaluated DNA methylation in COCs from sows and prepubertal gilts. Transcript levels of six genes (ACACA, ACSS2, FASN, FABP3, SLC27A4, PLIN2), which were analyzed in cumulus cells (CCs), increased after 44 h of IVM in the sow group. In the gilt group, only FASN expression increased, while NR3C1 expression decreased after IVM. The measurement of LD in oocytes showed an accumulation of lipids in sow oocytes during IVM, while gilt oocytes showed a decrease in LD. FABP3 and NR3C1 methylation patterns exhibited a demethylation pattern in CCs and oocytes from gilts and sows and showed statistical differences between groups. CCs from sows had a better capacity to change transcription levels of the major genes involved in lipid metabolism during IVM than CCs from gilts. This difference may be involved in accumulation of lipids, acquisition of competence, and maturation of enclosed oocytes. Our results contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms involved in lipid metabolism and acquisition of competence in porcine COCs.

Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in a CFA-Induced Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Given that chronic inflammatory pain is highly prevalent worldwide, it is important to study new techniques to treat or relieve this type of pain. The present study evaluated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in rats submitted to a chronic inflammatory model by nociceptive response, biomarker levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-10), and by histological parameters. METHODS: Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats were used in this study and randomized by weight into 6 major groups: total control, control + sham-tDCS, control + active tDCS, total CFA, CFA + sham-tDCS, and CFA + active tDCS. After inflammatory pain was established, the animals were submitted to the treatment protocol for 8 consecutive days, according to the experimental group. The nociceptive tests (von Frey and hot plate) were assessed, and euthanasia by decapitation occurred at day 8 after the end of tDCS treatment, and the blood serum and central nervous structures were collected for BDNF and IL measurements. All experiments and procedures were approved by the Institutional Committee for Animal Care and Use (UFPel #4538). RESULTS: The tDCS treatment showed a complete reversal of the mechanical allodynia induced by the pain model 24 h and 8 days after the last tDCS session, and there was partial reversal of the thermal hyperalgesia at all time points. Serum BDNF levels were decreased in CFA + sham-tDCS and CFA + tDCS groups compared to the control + tDCS group. The control group submitted to tDCS exhibited an increase in serum IL-6 levels in relation to the other groups. In addition, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 striatum levels in control + tDCS, CFA, and CFA + sham-tDCS groups in relation to the control group, with a partial tDCS effect on the CFA pain model. Local histology demonstrated tDCS effects in decreasing lymphocytic infiltration and neovascularization and tissue regeneration in animals exposed to CFA. CONCLUSION: tDCS was able to reverse the mechanical allodynia and decrease thermal hyperalgesia and local inflammation in a chronic inflammatory pain model, with a modest effect on striatum IL-10 levels. As such, we suggest that analgesic tDCS mechanisms may be related to tissue repair by modulating the local inflammatory process.

Hydrochar obtained with by-products from the sugarcane industry: Molecular features and effects of extracts on maize seed germination.

Sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and vinasse were hydrothermally carbonized (HTC), with and without the addition of phosphoric acid, in order to propose new applications of sucroenergetic industry by-products on soil. Detailed information on the composition and properties of hydrochars has been obtained through elemental composition, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and, thermochemolysis GC-MS. The soluble acidic fraction from the hydrochar samples were applied to maize seeds to evaluate the agronomic potential as biostimulants and relate the molecular features with maize seed germination. The HTC treatment converted polysaccharide-based biomasses into hydrochars with hydrophobic characteristics (C-Aryl and C-Akyl). Furthermore, the addition of phosphoric acid further increased the overall hydrophobicity and shifted the thermal degradation of the hydrochars to higher temperatures. Biomass influenced the hydrochars that formed, in which the molecular features of sugarcane bagasse determined the formation of more polar hydrochar, due to the preservation of lignin and phenolic components. Meanwhile, the HTC of vinasse resulted in a more hydrophobic product with an enrichment of condensed and recalcitrant organic fractions. The germination assay showed that polar structures of bagasse may play a role in improving the maize seeds germination rate (increase of ~11%), while the hydrophobic domains showed negative effects. The responses obtained in germination seems to be related to the molecular characteristics that organic extracts can present in solution.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Induces Analgesia in Rats with Neuropathic Pain and Alcohol Abstinence.

Neuromodulatory techniques have been studied to treat drug addiction or compulsive eating as well as different chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic and inflammatory pain in the clinical and preclinical settings. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the association of alcohol withdrawal with neuropathic pain based on nociceptive and neurochemical parameters in rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: control, neuropathic pain, neuropathic pain + tDCS, neuropathic pain + alcohol, and neuropathic pain + alcohol + tDCS. The neuropathic pain model was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve. Rats were then exposed to alcohol (20%) by oral gavage administration for 15 days (beginning 24 h after CCI). tDCS was started on the 17th day after surgery and lasted for 8 consecutive days. The nociceptive test (hot plate) was performed at baseline, 16 days after CCI, and immediately and 24 h after the last session of tDCS. Rats were killed by decapitation, and structures were removed and frozen for biochemical analysis (nerve growth factor and interleukin (IL-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-10 measurements). Neuropathy-induced thermal hyperalgesia was reversed by tDCS, an effect that was delayed by alcohol abstinence. In addition, tDCS treatment induced modulation of central levels of IL-1α, IL-1ß, and IL-10 and neurotrophic growth factor. We cannot rule out that the antinociceptive effect of tDCS could be related to increased central levels of IL-1α and IL-10. Therefore, tDCS may be a promising non-pharmacological therapeutic approach for chronic pain treatment.

Antinociceptive and neurochemical effects of a single dose of IB-MECA in chronic pain rat models.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single administration of IB-MECA, an A3 adenosine receptor agonist, upon the nociceptive response and central biomarkers of rats submitted to chronic pain models. A total of 136 adult male Wistar rats were divided into two protocols: (1) chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) using complete Freund's adjuvant and (2) neuropathic pain (NP) by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. Thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia was measured using von Frey (VF), Randal-Selitto (RS), and hot plate (HP) tests. Rats were treated with a single dose of IB-MECA (0.5 µmol/kg i.p.), a vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide-DMSO), or positive control (morphine, 5 mg/kg i.p.). Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were measured in the brainstem and spinal cord using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The establishment of the chronic pain (CIP or NP) model was observed 14 days after induction by a decreased nociceptive threshold in all three tests (GEE, P < 0.05). The antinociceptive effect of a single dose of IB-MECA was observed in both chronic pain models, but this was more effective in NP model. There was an increase in IL-1ß levels promoted by CIP. NP model promoted increase in the brainstem BDNF levels, which was reversed by IB-MECA.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Modulates the Effect of Sex on the Descending Pain Modulatory System in Healthy Volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated sex differences and the influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS), as measured by change on the numerical pain scale (NPS; 0-10) during conditioned pain modulation (CPM task; primary outcome) and by function of the corticospinal motor pathway and heat pain thresholds (HPTs; secondary outcomes). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included healthy volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 45 years (32 male and 24 female). Assessment included serum BDNF, HPT, change on the NPS (0-10) during the CPM task, and motor-evoked potential (MEP) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). RESULTS: The MEP (Mv) amplitude was larger in male participants compared with female participants (mean [SE] = 1.55 [0.34] vs mean [SE] = 1.27 [0.27], respectively, P = 0.001). The mean NPS (0-10) during CPM task changed more substantially for female compared with male participants (mean [SE] = -3.25 [2.01] vs mean [SE] = -2.29 [1.34], respectively, P = 0.040). In addition, a higher serum BDNF (adjusted index for age) was associated with a larger decrease of the NPS during CPM task (P = 0.003), although further regression analyses by sex showed that this was only significant for females (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Significant sex differences were identified in DPMS function and corticospinal motor pathway integrity. Nevertheless, BDNF was associated with the function of the DPMS in female but not male participants, indicating that sex and neuroplasticity state are crucial factors for pain perception in healthy subjects.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and trigeminal pain: A preclinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effect on facial allodynia induced by chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION) and on the brainstem levels of TNF-α, NGF, IL-10, and serum LDH in rats. METHODS: Rats were exposed to the CCI-ION model. Facial allodynia was assessed by von Frey filaments test at baseline, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postsurgery and 24 hr and 7 days after the bimodal tDCS sessions for 20 min/day/8 days. RESULTS: Chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve induced a significant decrease in the mechanical threshold 14 days after surgery. This effect was reversed by tDCS treatment, with the mechanical threshold returning to basal levels at 24 hr after the end of the treatment and it persisted for 7 days after the end of the treatment. tDCS also decreased LDH serum levels compared to those in the control group. There was an interaction between pain and treatment with respect to brainstem levels of NGF, TNF-α, and IL-10. CONCLUSION: Chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve model was effective in establishing trigeminal neuropathic pain on 14 days after surgery, and tDCS reduced allodynia and LDH serum levels and promoted alterations in NGF, TNF-α, and IL-10 brainstem levels. Thus, we suggest that tDCS may be a potential therapy in the trigeminal pain treatment.

The dynamics of gene expression, lipid composition and DNA methylation reprogramming are different during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes obtained from prepubertal gilts and cycling sows.

This study aimed to characterize the gene expression, lipid composition and DNA methylation reprogramming during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes with different developmental competencies. We used prepubertal gilts and cycling sows as a model to obtain oocytes with different levels of competency. We found that genes involved in lipid metabolism, SLC27A4, CPT2 and PLIN2, and DNA methylation, DNMT3A, TET1 and TET3, possessed altered transcript expression levels during IVM. Specifically, SLC27A4 mRNA (p = 0.05) increased in oocytes from cycling females, whereas CPT2 (p = 0.05), PLIN2 (p = 0.02) and DNMT3A (p = 0.02) increased in oocytes from prepubertal females during IVM. Additionally, TET3 mRNA increased during IVM in oocytes from prepubertal (p = 0.0005) and cycling females (p = 0.02). The TET1 transcript decreased (p = 0.05) during IVM in oocytes from cycling sows. Regarding lipid composition, mass spectrometry revealed a cluster of ions, with molecular masses higher than m/z 700, which comprises a group of complex phospholipids, was identified in all groups of oocytes, except in those from prepubertal gilts. With respect to DNA methylation reprogramming, it was noted that the less competent oocytes were not able to reprogramme the XIST gene during IVM. We conclude that the maternal mRNA store, lipid composition and epigenetic reprogramming are still being established during maturation and are related to oocyte competence. In addition, we propose that the methylation pattern of the XIST may be used as molecular marker for oocyte competence in pigs.

Transcranial direct-current stimulation reduces nociceptive behaviour in an orofacial pain model.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive method of brain stimulation suggested as a therapeutic tool for pain and is related to the reversal of maladaptive plasticity associated with chronic pain. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of tDCS, a non-pharmacological therapy, on local mechanical hyperalgesia, and remote thermal hyperalgesia in rats submitted to orofacial inflammatory pain model, by facial von Frey and hot plate tests, respectively. In addition, we evaluated levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-10 and IL-6 in the brainstem and blood serum of these animals at 24 hours and 7 days after the end of tDCS treatment. METHODS: Rats were subjected to temporomandibular joint pain and treated with tDCS. The animals were divided into control, pain and pain + treatment groups. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated at baseline, 7 days after administration of complete Freund's adjuvant, and immediately, 24 hours, and 7 days after the tDCS treatment. Neuroimmunomodulators levels were determined by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed by (GEE)/Bonferroni (behavioural tests), three-way ANOVA/SNK (neurochemical tests) and Kruskal-Wallis (histological analysis). RESULTS: Transcranial direct-current stimulation reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0.01). We observed interaction between factors (pain and treatment) increasing brainstem BDNF (P < 0.01) and NGF (P < 0.05) levels. Furthermore, we found an increase in IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the brainstem at 24 hours and 7 days after tDCS, respectively. CONCLUSION: We showed that tDCS reduces thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by orofacial pain until 7 days after treatment. These findings demonstrate that tDCS was effective in the control of orofacial inflammatory pain.

Comparison between electroporation and polyfection in pig sperm: efficiency and cell viability implications.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to optimize protocols for electroporation (EP) and polyfection (PLF) using polyethyleneimine (PEI) for pig sperm transfection and to determine which method was the most efficient. For EP standardization, different voltages, amounts and times of electric pulses were tested using propidium iodide (PI) as reporter. For PLF standardization, different concentrations of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled PEI (PEI/FITC) were incubated with sperm for different periods of time. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the best protocol in terms of cell viability, including cytoplasmic membrane, acrosome, chromatin integrities and mitochondrial potential using the FITC probe, PI, acridine orange (AO) and JC1. Transfections with the plasmid pmhyGENIE-5 were carried out under optimum conditions for each procedure (EP: 500 volts, 500 µs and two pulses; PLF: PEI 0.5 mg/ml and incubation time 10 min). Transfection efficacy was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A lower transfection rate was observed for sperm in the control group (17.8%) compared with EP (36.7%), with PLF (76.8%) being the most efficient. These results suggest that the EP and PEI could be an efficient and low cost transfection method for swine sperm. Notably, treated cells showed higher plasmatic the membrane damage (PMD) and/or acrosome damage (AD) indexes, therefore the combination of this procedure with biotechniques that facilitate fecundation (i.e. in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection) or even inclusion of antioxidant or anti-apoptotic drugs to improve spermatozoa viability would be important.

Standardized Passiflora incarnata L. Extract Reverts the Analgesia Induced by Alcohol Withdrawal in Rats.

Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae) has been traditionally used for treatment of anxiety, insomnia, drug addiction, mild infections, and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a commercial extract of P. incarnata in the analgesia induced by alcohol withdrawal syndrome in rats. In addition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-10 levels were evaluated in prefrontal cortex, brainstem, and hippocampus. Male adult rats received by oral gavage: (1: water group) water for 19 days, 1 day interval and water (8 days); (2: P. incarnata group) water for 19 days, 1 day interval and P. incarnata 200 mg/kg (8 days); (3: alcohol withdrawal group) alcohol for 19 days, 1 day interval and water (8 days); and (4: P. incarnata in alcohol withdrawal) alcohol for 19 days, 1 day interval and P. incarnata 200 mg/kg (8 days). The tail-flick and hot plate tests were used as nociceptive response measures. Confirming previous study of our group, it was showed that alcohol-treated groups presented an increase in the nociceptive thresholds after alcohol withdrawal, which was reverted by P. incarnata, measured by the hot plate test. Besides, alcohol treatment increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-10 levels in prefrontal cortex, which was not reverted by P. incarnata. Considering these results, the P. incarnata treatment might be a potential therapy in the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of Deep Intramuscular Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Neurophysiological Biomarkers in Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the neuromodulation techniques effects (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS] and deep intramuscular stimulation therapy [DIMST]) on pain intensity, peripheral, and neurophysiological biomarkers chronic myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) patients. DESIGN: Randomized, double blind, factorial design, and controlled placebo-sham clinical trial. SETTING: Clinical trial in the Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (NCT02381171). SUBJECTS: We recruited women aged between 19- and 75-year old, with MPS diagnosis. METHODS: Patients were randomized into four groups: rTMS + DIMST, rTMS + sham-DIMST, sham-rTMS + DIMST, sham-rTMS + sham-DIMST; and received 10 sessions for 20 minutes each one (rTMS and DIMST). Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS); neurophysiological parameters were assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation; biochemical parameters were: BDNF, S100ß, lactate dehydrogenase, inflammatory (TNF-α, IL6, and IL10), and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: We observed the pain relief assessed by VAS immediately assessed before and after the intervention (P < 0.05, F(1,3)= 3.494 and F(1,3)= 4.656, respectively); in the sham-rTMS + DIMST group and both three active groups in relation to sham-rTMS + sham-DIMST group, respectively. There was an increase in the MEP after rTMS + sham-DIMST (P < 0.05). However, there was no change in all-peripheral parameters analyzed across the treatment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings add additional evidence about rTMS and DIMST in relieving pain in MPS patients without synergistic effect. No peripheral biomarkers reflected the analgesic effect of both techniques; including those related to cellular damage. Additionally, one neurophysiological parameter (increased MEP amplitude) needs to be investigated.

Exogenously induced brain activation regulates neuronal activity by top-down modulation: conceptualized model for electrical brain stimulation.

Physiological and exogenous factors are able to adjust sensory processing by modulating activity at different levels of the nervous system hierarchy. Accordingly, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may use top-down mechanisms to control the access for incoming information along the neuroaxis. To test the hypothesis that brain activation induced by tCDS is able to initiate top-down modulation and that chronic stress disrupts this effect, 60-day-old male Wistar rats (n = 78) were divided into control; control + tDCS; control + sham-tDCS; stress; stress + tDCS; and stress + sham-tDCS. Chronic stress was induced using a restraint stress model for 11 weeks, and then, the treatment was applied over 8 days. BDNF levels were used to assess neuronal activity at spinal cord, brainstem, and hippocampus. Mechanical pain threshold was assessed by von Frey test immediately and 24 h after the last tDCS-intervention. tDCS was able to decrease BDNF levels in the structures involved in the descending systems (spinal cord and brainstem) only in unstressed animals. The treatment was able to reverse the stress-induced allodynia and to increase the pain threshold in unstressed animals. Furthermore, there was an inverse relation between pain sensitivity and spinal cord BDNF levels. Accordingly, we propose the addition of descending systems in the current brain electrical modulation model.

Electroacupuncture analgesia is associated with increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in chronic tension-type headache: a randomized, sham controlled, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is characterized by almost daily headaches and central sensitization, for which electroacupuncture (EA) might be effective. The central nervous system (CNS) plasticity can be tracked in serum using the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroplasticity mediator. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that EA analgesia in CTTH is related to neuroplasticity indexed by serum BDNF. METHODS: We enrolled females aged 18-60 years with CTTH in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial, comparing ten EA sessions applied for 30 minutes (2-10 Hz, intensity by tolerance) in cervical areas twice per week vs. a sham intervention. Treatment periods were separated by two washout weeks. Pain on the 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) and serum BDNF were assessed as primary outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects underwent randomization, and twenty-nine completed the protocol. EA was superior to sham to alleviate pain (VAS scores 2.38 ± 1.77 and 3.02 ± 2.49, respectively, P = 0.005). The VAS scores differed according to the intervention sequence, demonstrating a carryover effect (P < 0.05). Using multiple regression, serum BDNF was adjusted for the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) and the VAS scores (r-squared = 0.07, standard ß coefficients = -0.2 and -0.14, respectively, P < 0.001). At the end of the first intervention period, the adjusted BDNF was higher in the EA phase (29.31 ± 3.24, 27.53 ± 2.94 ng/mL, Cohen's d = 0.55). CONCLUSION: EA analgesia is related to neuroplasticity indexed by the adjusted BDNF. EA modulation of pain and BDNF occurs according to the CNS situation at the moment of its administration, as it was related to depression and the timing of its administration.

Transcranial direct current stimulation is more effective than pregabalin in controlling nociceptive and anxiety-like behaviors in a rat fibromyalgia-like model.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the fact that fibromyalgia, a widespread disease of the musculoskeletal system, has no specific treatment, patients have shown improvement after pharmacological intervention. Pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy; however, its adverse effects may reduce treatment adherence. In this context, neuromodulatory techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be employed as a complementary pain-relieving method. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin and tDCS treatments on the behavioral and biomarker parameters of rats submitted to a fibromyalgia-like model. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and reserpine. Five days after the end of the administration of reserpine (1 mg/kg/3 days) to induce a fibromyalgia-like model, rats were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle or pregabalin (30 mg/kg) along with sham or active- tDCS treatments. The evaluated behavioral parameters included mechanical allodynia by von Frey test and anxiety-like behaviors by elevated plus-maze test (time spent in opened and closed arms, number of entries in opened and closed arms, protected head-dipping, unprotected head-dipping [NPHD], grooming, rearing, fecal boluses). The biomarker analysis (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) was performed in brainstem and cerebral cortex and in serum. RESULTS: tDCS reversed the reduction in the mechanical nociceptive threshold and the decrease in the serum BDNF levels induced by the model of fibromyalgia; however, there was no effect of pregabalin in the mechanical threshold. There were no effects of pregabalin or tDCS found in TNF-α levels. The pain model induced an increase in grooming time and a decrease in NPHD and rearing; while tDCS reversed the increase in grooming, pregabalin reversed the decrease in NPHD. CONCLUSIONS: tDCS was more effective than pregabalin in controlling nociception and anxiety-like behavior in a rat model-like fibromyalgia. Considering the translational aspect, our findings suggest that tDCS could be a potential non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia.

Ultrasonographic examination in non-human primates with acute abdomen signs.

BACKGROUND: The acute abdomen is any abdominal disorder resulting in pain, shock, or sepsis. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, the primary cause is gastrointestinal tract pathology. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of abdominal ultrasound as a complementary diagnostic tool in non-human primates with an acute abdomen. METHODS: Three different non-human primates with clinical signs of acute abdomen were evaluated as follows: a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), a tufted capuchin (Cebus apella), and a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata). RESULTS: Ultrasonographic examination assisted in the identification of a variety of differential diagnoses and was used in decision-making for exploratory laparotomy, which was performed in two animals. Ultrasound examination confirmed the source of the acute abdomen as the gastrointestinal tract in the three animals studied. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasound is a useful technique for the investigation of signs of acute abdomen in non-human primates.

Preemptive transcranial direct current stimulation induces analgesia, prevents chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and promotes tissue repair in a rat model of postoperative pain.

This study evaluated the effects of previous exposure to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on nociceptive, neuroinflammatory, and neurochemical parameters, in rats subjected to an incisional pain model. Forty adult male Wistar rats (60 days old; weighing âˆ¼ 250 g) were divided into five groups: 1. control (C); 2. drugs (D); 3. surgery (S); 4. surgery + sham-tDCS (SsT) and 5. surgery + tDCS (ST). Bimodal tDCS (0.5 mA) was applied for 20 min/day/8 days before the incisional model. Mechanical allodynia (von Frey) was evaluated at different time points after surgery. Cytokines and BDNF levels were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Histology and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) were evaluated in the surgical lesion sites in the right hind paw. The results demonstrate that the surgery procedure increased BDNF and IL-6 levels in the spinal cord levels in the hippocampus, and decreased IL-1ß and IL-6 levels in the cerebral cortex, IL-6 levels in the hippocampus, and IL-10 levels in the brainstem and hippocampus. In addition, preemptive tDCS was effective in controlling postoperative pain, increasing BDNF, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the spinal cord and brainstem, increasing IL-1ß in the spinal cord, and decreasing IL-6 levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, IL-1ß and IL-10 levels in the hippocampus. Preemptive tDCS also contributes to tissue repair, preventing chronic inflammation, and consequent fibrosis. Thus, these findings imply that preemptive methods for postoperative pain management should be considered an interesting pain management strategy, and may contribute to the development of clinical applications for tDCS in surgical situations.

Involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, opioidergic, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor systems in the trigeminal neuropathic pain process.

Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) is an intense pain condition characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia; however, its neural mechanisms are not completely understood. Its management is complex, and studies that investigate its biochemical mechanisms are important for improving clinical approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the TNP process in rats. TNP is induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Nociceptive responses were evaluated using the facial von Frey test before and after the administration of GABAergic and opioidergic agonists and glutamatergic antagonists. The rats were divided into vehicle-treated control (C), sham-surgery (SS), and CCI-ION groups, and then subdivided into the vehicle (V)-treated SS-V and CCI-ION-V groups, SS-MK801 and CCI-ION-MK801, treated with the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor selective antagonist MK801; SS-PB and CCI-ION-PB, treated with phenobarbital; SS-BZD and CCI-ION-BZD, treated with diazepam; SS-MOR and CCI-ION-MOR, treated with morphine. BDNF levels were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, brainstem, trigeminal ganglion, infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve, and serum. CCI-ION induced facial mechanical hyperalgesia. Phenobarbital and morphine reversed the hyperalgesia induced by CCI-ION, and the CCI-BZD group had an increased nociceptive threshold until 60 min. CCI-ION-GLU increased the nociceptive threshold at 60 min. Cerebral cortex and brainstem BDNF levels increased in the CCI-ION and SS groups. Only the CCI group presented high levels of BDNF in the trigeminal ganglion. Our data suggest the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and peripheral BDNF in the TNP process.

Short-term effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in the nociceptive behavior of neuropathic pain rats in development.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by a lesion that triggers pain chronification and central sensitization and it can develop in a different manner, dependent of age. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating NP. Then, we aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS and BDNF levels in neuropathic pain rats in development, with 30 days old in the beginning of experiments. Eight-five male Wistar rats were subjected to chronic constriction injury. After establishment of NP, bimodal tDCS was applied to the rats for eight consecutive days, for 20 minutes each session. Subsequently, nociceptive behavior was assessed at baseline, 14 days after surgery, 1 day and 7 days after the end of tDCS. The rats were sacrificed 8 days after the last session of tDCS. An increase in the nociceptive threshold was observed in rats in development 1 day after the end of tDCS (short-term effect), but this effect was not maintained 7 days after the end of tDCS (long-term effect). Furthermore, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were analyzed in the frontal cortex, spinal cord and serum using ELISA assays. The neuropathic pain model showed an effect of BDNF in the spinal cord of rats in development. There were no effects of BNDF levels of pain or tDCS in the frontal cortex or serum. In conclusion, tDCS is an effective technique to relieve nociceptive behavior at a short-term effect in neuropathic pain rats in development, and BDNF levels were not altered at long-term effect.

Genetic diversity and population differentiation of Guignardia mangiferae from "Tahiti" acid lime.

Among the citrus plants, "Tahiti" acid lime is known as a host of G. mangiferae fungi. This species is considered endophytic for citrus plants and is easily isolated from asymptomatic fruits and leaves. G. mangiferae is genetically related and sometimes confused with G. citricarpa which causes Citrus Black Spot (CBS). "Tahiti" acid lime is one of the few species that means to be resistant to this disease because it does not present symptoms. Despite the fact that it is commonly found in citric plants, little is known about the populations of G. mangiferae associated with these plants. Hence, the objective of this work was to gain insights about the genetic diversity of the G. mangiferae populations that colonize "Tahiti" acid limes by sequencing cistron ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. It was verified that "Tahiti" acid lime plants are hosts of G. mangiferae and also of G. citricarpa, without presenting symptoms of CBS. Populations of G. mangiferae present low-to-moderate genetic diversity and show little-to-moderate levels of population differentiation. As gene flow was detected among the studied populations and they share haplotypes, it is possible that all populations, from citrus plants and also from the other known hosts of this fungus, belong to one great panmictic population.