Application of nanoformulations as a strategy to optimize chemotherapeutic treatment of glioblastoma: a systematic review.

The aim of this review was to explore the advances of nanoformulations as a strategy to optimize glioblastoma treatment, specifically focusing on targeting and controlling drug delivery systems to the tumor. This review followed the PRISMA recommendations. The studies were selected through a literature search conducted in the electronic databases PubMed Central, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science, in April 2023, using the equation descriptors: (nanocapsule OR nanoformulation) AND (glioblastoma). Forty-seven investigations included were published between 2011 and 2023 to assess the application of different nanoformulations to optimize delivery of chemotherapies including temozolomide, carmustine, vincristine or cisplatin previously employed in brain tumor therapy, as well as investigating another 10 drugs. Data demonstrated the possible application of different matrices employed as nanocarriers and utilization of functionalizing agents to improve internalization of chemotherapeutics. Functionalization was developed with the application of peptides, micronutrients/vitamins, antibodies and siRNAs. Finally, this review demonstrated the practical and clinical application of nanocarriers to deliver multiple drugs in glioblastoma models. These nanomodels might ideally be developed using functionalizing ligand agents that preferably act synergistically with the drug these agents carry. The findings showed promising results, making nanoformulations one of the best prospects for innovation and improvement of glioblastoma treatment.

Measuring skin color inequality in women's health in Northeast Brazil: Evidence from the PCSVDFMulher survey.

In this paper, we investigate whether skin color is a source of inequality in women's health by exploring the longitudinal framework of the PCSVDFMulher survey in Northeast Brazil. Specifically, we measure the skin color gradient in women's general and mental health, as well as in showing health risk behavior. We find that darker-skinned women show poorer mental health outcomes and a higher likelihood of drinking and smoking more frequently than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The skin color gradient is persistent and systematic, even when modeling different sources of unobserved heterogeneity and accounting for the existing socioeconomic inequalities and racial identity. We also find that racial identity is an important source of heterogeneous responses of women's health to skin tone.

The light intensity in the cultivation environment and the impact of glyphosate on plants of the Urochloa genus.

The variation in light within the environment triggers morphophysiological changes in plants and can lead to distinct responses in sun-exposed or shaded plants to glyphosate. The response of Urochloa genotypes subjected to desiccation with 2160, 1622.4, 1080, 524.4, 273.6, and 0.0 g ha-1 of glyphosate was evaluated in full sun and shade conditions. Cayana grass, mulato II grass, and sabiá grass - hybrids recently launched on the market, in addition to palisade grass and congo grass were evaluated. Under full sun, we achieved control of congo grass using 1080 g ha-1 of glyphosate, while the other grasses required 2160 g ha-1. In the low-light environment, sabiá grass was effectively controlled with 524.4 g ha-1 of glyphosate, but the other grasses needed 273.6 g ha-1. In shading, compared to full sun, the savings with glyphosate were 75 and 76% for the control of congo grass and sabiá grass, respectively, and 87% for palisade grass, mulato II grass and cayana grass. Increasing glyphosate doses leads to a decline in the quantum efficiency of photosystem II and in the electron transport rate, especially in the shade. Urochloa genotypes are more sensitive to glyphosate in the shade, which must be considered when determining the herbicide dose.

LDLR and PCSK9 3´UTR variants and their putative effects on microRNA molecular interactions in familial hypercholesterolemia: a computational approach.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by pathogenic variants in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) or its associated genes, including apolipoprotein B (APOB), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and LDLR adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). However, approximately 40% of the FH patients clinically diagnosed (based on FH phenotypes) may not carry a causal variant in a FH-related gene. Variants located at 3' untranslated region (UTR) of FH-related genes could elucidate mechanisms involved in FH pathogenesis. This study used a computational approach to assess the effects of 3'UTR variants in FH-related genes on miRNAs molecular interactions and to explore the association of these variants with molecular diagnosis of FH. METHODS AND RESULTS: Exons and regulatory regions of FH-related genes were sequenced in 83 FH patients using an exon-target gene sequencing strategy. In silico prediction tools were used to study the effects of 3´UTR variants on interactions between miRNAs and target mRNAs. Pathogenic variants in FH-related genes (molecular diagnosis) were detected in 44.6% FH patients. Among 59 3'UTR variants identified, LDLR rs5742911 and PCSK9 rs17111557 were associated with molecular diagnosis of FH, whereas LDLR rs7258146 and rs7254521 and LDLRAP1 rs397860393 had an opposite effect (p < 0.05). 3´UTR variants in LDLR (rs5742911, rs7258146, rs7254521) and PCSK9 (rs17111557) disrupt interactions with several miRNAs, and more stable bindings were found with LDLR (miR-4435, miR-509-3 and miR-502) and PCSK9 (miR-4796). CONCLUSION: LDLR and PCSK9 3´UTR variants disturb miRNA:mRNA interactions that could affect gene expression and are potentially associated with molecular diagnosis of FH.

α-tocopherol as a selective modulator of toxicogenic damage induced by antineoplastic agents cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin.

The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative/antioxidative effects, modulatory and selective potential of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) on antineoplastic drug-induced toxicogenetic damage. The toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents cyclophosphamide (CPA) and doxorubicin (DOX) was examined utilizing as models Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Allium cepa, Artemia salina and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence of α-tocopherol. For these tests, concentrations of α- tocopherol 100 IU/ml (67mg/ml), CPA 20 µg/ml, DOX 2 µg/ml were used. The selectivity of α-tocopherol was assessed by the MTT test using human mammary gland non-tumor (MCF10A) and tumor (MCF-7) cell lines. Data showed cytoplasmic and mitochondrial oxidative damage induced by CPA or DOX was significantly diminished by α-tocopherol in S. cerevisiae. In addition, the toxic effects on A. salina and cytotoxic and mutagenic effects on A. cepa were significantly reduced by α-tocopherol. In PBMCs, α-tocopherol alone did not markedly affect these cells, and when treated in conjunction with CPA or DOX, α-tocopherol reduced the toxicogenetic effects noted after antineoplastic drug administration as evidenced by decreased chromosomal alterations and lowered cell death rate. In human mammary gland non-tumor and tumor cell lines, α-tocopherol produced selective cytotoxicity with 2-fold higher effect in tumor cells. Evidence indicates that vitamin E (1) produced anti-cytotoxic and anti-mutagenic effects against CPA and DOX (2) increased higher selectivity toward tumor cells, and (3) presented chemoprotective activity in PBMCs.

A randomized controlled trial of an intervention promoting physical activity and healthy eating recommendations in systemic lupus erythematosus: the protocol study "Living Well with Lupus".

There is a paucity of studies assessing multidisciplinary interventions focused on tackling physical inactivity/sedentary behavior and poor dietary habits in SLE. The Living well with Lupus (LWWL) is a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether a six-month lifestyle change intervention will improve cardiometabolic risk factors (primary outcome) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with low disease activity (SLEDAI score ≤ 4) and with high cardiovascular risk. As secondary goals, we will evaluate: (1) the intervention's safety, efficacy, and feasibility in promoting lifestyle changes, and (2) the effects of the intervention on secondary outcomes (i.e., clinical parameters, functional capacity, fatigue, psychological aspects, sleep quality and health-related quality of life). Patients will be randomly allocated to either a control (i.e., standard care) or a lifestyle intervention group using a simple randomization (1:1 ratio, blocks of 20). Mixed Model analyses will be conducted for comparing groups following an intention-to-treat approach. A per protocol analysis will also be conducted. This study has the potential to generate new, clinically relevant data able to refine the multidisciplinary management of SLE patients. Protocol version number: NCT04431167 (first version).

The proximal posterior cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle can be used as a reference for positioning the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To describe the femoral insertion of the ACL using the posterior proximal cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle as the anatomical reference. METHODS: Twenty knees were dissected. The X-axis (deep-shallow) and Y-axis (high-low) were determined using the femoral diaphysis and the proximal cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle (point C) as a reference, which were easily identified by direct visualization through the anteromedial portal. The distances to the center of the anteromedial and posterolateral bands and to the center of the ACL were measured. RESULTS: The mean distances were 7.2 mm (SD: 0.7) between the center of the anteromedial bundle and the Y-axis (AM-Y), 9 mm (SD: 1.1) between the center of the ACL and the Y-axis (M-Y), and 12.7 mm (SD: 0.9) between the center of the posterolateral bundle and the Y-axis (PL-Y). Regarding the distance (from point C to the distal cartilage along the X-axis), the center of the anteromedial bundle (AM) was 35% (SD: 4.9%), the center of the posterolateral bundle was 62% (SD: 3.7%), and the center of the ACL (M) was 44% (SD: 7%) of the CD distance on average. CONCLUSION: Given the similarity among the specimens in terms of the height of the ACL on the Y-axis in relation to the proximal posterior cartilage of the femoral lateral condyle (point C), this point can be used as an arthroscopic intraoperative parameter to define the position of the femoral tunnel in ACL reconstruction for single- or double-bundle techniques.

Mapping recommended strategies to promote active and healthy lifestyles through physical education classes: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Understanding which strategies have been recommended for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through physical education (PE) classes can guide PE policies and practice. Therefore, we summarized worldwide recommendations regarding strategies for PE classes that have aimed to promote active and healthy lifestyles among school-aged children and adolescents. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were utilized. A literature search was carried out in June 2020 in eight peer-reviewed literature databases, in addition to searches in institutional and personal libraries. The eligibility criteria included any online document that included recommendations targeting any dimension of PE classes (e.g., policy and environment, curriculum, appropriate instruction, student assessment, and strategies that interact with PE) published since 2000. RESULTS: In total, 2,408 potentially eligible documents were screened. Of these, 63 were included in the final analysis. The recommended strategies were as follows: six referred to policy and environment (valuing PE, higher frequency and duration of classes, inclusive PE classes, mandatory daily classes, evaluation of PE classes, and qualified teachers), five to curriculum (structure, type of content, cross-cutting themes, and components that improve PE classes), four to appropriate instruction (promotion of physical activities, inclusion of social issues, employment of the use of innovative technologies, and organization of the teaching-learning process), and three to student assessment (understanding human movement concepts, evaluation of contents, and assessment methods to develop an active and healthy lifestyle). CONCLUSION: Twenty-one strategies recommended for PE classes linked to five dimensions aimed at different target populations were identified. Over half were linked to the dimensions of policy and environment and appropriate instruction. PE is recommended to be mandatory and valued at all educational levels, with weekly frequency that contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. This review shows that guaranteeing different experiences beyond sports, improving social inclusion, using innovative technologies, and providing adequate materials and spaces to be important challenges and ways to guide policies, programs, and new research in this field of knowledge. Open Science Framework Registration: https://osf.io/harwq/.

The effect of increasing Women's autonomy on primary and repeated caesarean sections in Brazil.

Caesarean section (C-section) rates continue to rise globally. Yet, there is little consensus about the key determinants of rising C-section rates and the sources of variation in C-section rates across the world. While C-sections can save lives when medically justified, unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful for women and babies. We show that a state-wide law passed in São Paulo (Brazil), which increased women's autonomy to choose to deliver via C-section even when not medically necessary, is associated with a 3% increase in overall C-section rates. This association was driven by a 5% increase in primary C-sections, rather than repeated C-sections. Since the law emphasizes women's autonomy, these results are consistent with mothers' demand being an important contributor to high C-section rates in this context.

Causes of knee pain evaluated by arthroscopy after knee arthroplasty: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The origin of persistent pain and joint limitation after knee arthroplasty are controversial and difficult to diagnose. Knee arthroscopy is indicated when the results of routine evaluation tests are not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine through arthroscopy the cause of post-knee-arthroplasty pain symptoms in patients without a prior diagnosis of cause of pain. METHODS: This prospective case series study described the outcomes of 34 patients (35 knees) with pain and limited function in the arthroplastic joint, who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy. Patients were clinically evaluated using range-of-motion tests and the Lysholm, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Knee Society Score (KSS) scales. RESULTS: The procedure found cyclops in 17 knees, synovitis in 9 knees, arthrofibrosis in 6 knees, polyethylene wear with debris in two knees, and polyethylene bouncing in one knee with unicompartmental arthroplasty with a mobile polyethylene platform. It was effective for the relief of pain symptoms, with excellent or good outcomes in 80% of cases; there was a poor outcome in 11.43%, which maintained the presentation of pain and underwent revision arthroplasty, and, in 8.57%, did not undergo another surgery despite symptom persistence. CONCLUSIONS: Post-arthroplasty knee arthroscopy seems beneficial in patients with pain and without a pre-established diagnosis and who had already undergone conservative treatment unsuccessfully.

Leaf application of 24-epibrassinolide mitigates cadmium toxicity in young Eucalyptus urophylla plants by modulating leaf anatomy and gas exchange.

Cadmium (Cd2+) soil pollution is a global environmental problem caused by the high toxicity of Cd. 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) is a biodegradable plant steroid involved in response modulation to biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the leaf-application of EBR improves the gas exchange and possible repercussions on leaf anatomy in young Eucalyptus urophylla plants exposed to Cd toxicity. The experiment involved six treatments, which included three Cd concentrations (0, 450, and 900 µM) and two EBR concentrations (0 and 100 nM, described as - EBR and + EBR, respectively). Plants exposed to Cd toxicity suffered decreases in leaf anatomical and gas exchange parameters. However, the plants treated with EBR + 900 µM Cd showed an increase of 46%, 40%, and 54% in the net photosynthetic rate, water-use efficiency, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, respectively. The EBR application-induced improvements in gas exchange parameters, causing beneficial effects on the photosynthetic apparatus, mainly the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and electron transport rate. Furthermore, this steroid mitigated the effect of Cd toxicity on leaf anatomical variables, more specifically palisade and spongy parenchyma, which are intrinsically related to stomatal density, and stimulated the net photosynthetic rate of plants.

Defect activated optical Raman modes in single layer MoSe2.

In the last decade, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been intensively synthesized/studied thus linking their morphological aspect to their physical properties, and consequently leading to the understanding of the possible benefits of defects in such materials. Nevertheless, for future applications, quantifying and identifying defects in TMDs is still a milestone to reach in order to better employ these materials in optoelectronic devices. Raman Spectroscopy has been successfully employed in graphene to quantify punctual or line defects. In this paper, we bombarded monolayer MoSe2with He ions and found out the existence of three defect activated Raman bands around 250-300 cm-1. Density functional theory calculations were employed to obtain the electronic and phonon dispersion bands, making it possible to infer that these bands arise from inter-valley Raman double resonance processes. Interestingly, the same punctual defect model, that allows one to predict the defect concentration at which graphene starts to become amorphous, also works for TMDs. Hence, this work opens the door to the macroscopic quantification of defects in TMDs, which is essential for technological applications.

Detection of Schistosoma mansoni long non-coding RNAs in the infected C57BL/6 mouse liver.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform several types of regulatory functions and have been recently explored in the genus Schistosoma. Although sequencing and bioinformatics approaches have demonstrated the presence of hundreds of lncRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in this genus, information regarding their abundance, characteristics, and potential functions linked to Schistosoma mansoni biology and parasite-host interaction is limited. Our objectives in the present study were to verify whether 15 previously identified S. mansoni lncRNAs are detectable in the host liver. In addition, we assess whether these lncRNAs are present in the S. mansoni infective form and the stages inside the definitive host. The detection of these 15 S. mansoni lncRNAs and a long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon Saci 4 was performed in the eggs, cercariae, and 3.5-h schistosomula. All lncRNAs were found to be expressed in these stages; some of the lncRNAs were found in the livers of the infected C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, S. mansoni lncRNAs were detected in host livers and quantified. Furthermore, many of the lncRNAs analyzed showed differential expression in the larval stages, indicating that they play a stage-specific regulatory role.

Prior exercise protects against oxidative stress and motor deficit in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

This study investigated if a prior long-term physical exercise protocol protects the substantia nigra and the striatum against oxidative stress and motor deficits in a Parkinson Disease model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. Three animal treatment groups were included in the study: sham; 6-hydroxydopamine and 6-hydroxydopamine/exercise. Previously to the intrastriatal lesion by 6-hydroxydopamine, rats in the exercise groups performed a swimming program for 18 weeks. The rats were submitted to behavioral tests before and after intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine injection. The oxidative stress was analyzed by Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances and Glutathione reductase activity methods. The exercise decreased lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione reductase activity in the substantia nigra. In contrast, in the striatum, exercise increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione reductase activity. Exercise increased contralateral rotations and reduces immobility levels at 14 days post lesion. The exercise prior to 6-OHDA lesion had protective action only in substantia nigra against oxidative stress.

A Comparative Study of Biomechanical and Geometrical Attributes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the Asian and Caucasian Populations.

In this work, we provide a quantitative assessment of the biomechanical and geometric features that characterize abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models generated from 19 Asian and 19 Caucasian diameter-matched AAA patients. 3D patient-specific finite element models were generated and used to compute peak wall stress (PWS), 99th percentile wall stress (99th WS), and spatially averaged wall stress (AWS) for each AAA. In addition, 51 global geometric indices were calculated, which quantify the wall thickness, shape, and curvature of each AAA. The indices were correlated with 99th WS (the only biomechanical metric that exhibited significant association with geometric indices) using Spearman's correlation and subsequently with multivariate linear regression using backward elimination. For the Asian AAA group, 99th WS was highly correlated (R2 = 0.77) with three geometric indices, namely tortuosity, intraluminal thrombus volume, and area-averaged Gaussian curvature. Similarly, 99th WS in the Caucasian AAA group was highly correlated (R2 = 0.87) with six geometric indices, namely maximum AAA diameter, distal neck diameter, diameter-height ratio, minimum wall thickness variance, mode of the wall thickness variance, and area-averaged Gaussian curvature. Significant differences were found between the two groups for ten geometric indices; however, no differences were found for any of their respective biomechanical attributes. Assuming maximum AAA diameter as the most predictive metric for wall stress was found to be imprecise: 24% and 28% accuracy for the Asian and Caucasian groups, respectively. This investigation reveals that geometric indices other than maximum AAA diameter can serve as predictors of wall stress, and potentially for assessment of aneurysm rupture risk, in the Asian and Caucasian AAA populations.

GC-MS Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Toxic Effects Using Drosophila melanogaster Model of the Essential Oil of Lantana montevidensis (Spreng) Briq.

Background and objectives: Natural products such as essential oils with antioxidant potential can reduce the level of oxidative stress and prevent the oxidation of biomolecules. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant potential of Lantana montevidensis leaf essential oil (EOLM) in chemical and biological models using Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and methods: in addition, the chemical components of the oil were identified and quantified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the percentage compositions were obtained from electronic integration measurements using flame ionization detection (FID). Results: our results demonstrated that EOLM is rich in terpenes with Germacrene-D (31.27%) and ß-caryophyllene (28.15%) as the major components. EOLM (0.12-0.48 g/mL) was ineffective in scavenging DPPH radical, and chelating Fe(II), but showed reducing activity at 0.24 g/mL and 0.48 g/mL. In in vivo studies, exposure of D. melanogaster to EOLM (0.12-0.48 g/mL) for 5 h resulted in 10% mortality; no change in oxidative stress parameters such as total thiol, non-protein thiol, and malondialdehyde contents, in comparison to control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: taken together, our results indicate EOLM may not be toxic at the concentrations tested, and thus may not be suitable for the development of new botanical insecticides, such as fumigants or spray-type control agents against Drosophila melanogaster.

Risk factors and short and medium-term survival after open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are responsible for high rates of rupture-associated morbidity and mortality and can be treated by open or endovascular surgery. OBJECTIVES: To analyze risk factors and survival associated with surgical and endovascular AAA treatment methods. METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal study involving 41 patients who underwent endovascular or open AAA repair, whether elective or emergency, over a 48-month period, with analysis of preoperative comorbidities, 30-day and 1-year survival, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, transfusion of blood products, duration of surgery, and development of acute kidney failure. Inferential statistics and survival analysis considered a 95% CI and p < 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Twelve of the 41 patients were treated with open surgery and 29 with endovascular techniques. The majority were male (75%), with an average age of 71 (range: 56 - 90 years). There were no differences in demographic or risk factors between the groups. Overall survival rates for open and endovascular repair were different for both 30 days (37 vs. 72%, p = 0.01) and 360 days (37 vs. 67%, p = 0.01). However, survival rates in elective cases were similar at 30 days (71 vs. 76%, p = 0.44) and 360 days (both 71%, p = 0.34). Endovascular repair showed shorter length of hospital stay (3.0 vs. 4.4 days; p = 0.02) and duration of surgery (111 vs. 163 min; p < 0.01) compared to open repair. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in short- or medium-term survival of AAA patients treated electively with endovascular or open surgery. Hospital stays and duration of surgery were both shorter with minimally invasive treatment.

Cadaveric study of the secondary medial patellar restraints: patellotibial and patellomeniscal ligaments.

PURPOSE: To detail the anatomy of the medial patella stabilizers, medial patellotibial (MPTL), and medial patellomeniscal ligaments (MPML), focusing on the points of origin and insertion, length, thickness, width, and fibres orientation to study the frequency of anatomical variations and the anatomy of these ligaments, thereby improving surgical techniques. METHODS: Thirty dissected knees were analysed. A digital caliper was used to measure the length, thickness, and width, as well as the mid-point of the ligaments insertion and the distance from the MPTL insertion to the articular surface of the tibia. The angle of inclination of the ligaments was calculated in the coronal plane. The collected data were tabulated and statistically analysed. RESULTS: MPTL was present in 90 % as a visible thickening of the deep medial retinaculum and exhibiting only one anatomical variation. The MPML was absent in one of the dissected knees, and one anatomical variation was found. The tilt angle of the ligaments was very similar, with an average of 22.2° ± 7.6° for the MPTL and 24.2° ± 6.6° for the MPML. CONCLUSION: The MPTL is a long visible structure of the deep layer of the medial retinaculum, but with a distinct origin and insertion. The MPML is thicker with an angular direction similar to MPTL. The presence of these ligaments in most of the specimens studied suggests that the real anatomical and biomechanical importance of these ligaments should be further investigated because they play a role in the patellar stability.

PREDICTION INTERVALS FOR INTEGRALS OF GAUSSIAN RANDOM FIELDS.

Methodology is proposed for the construction of prediction intervals for integrals of Gaussian random fields over bounded regions (called block averages in the geostatistical literature) based on observations at a finite set of sampling locations. Two bootstrap calibration algorithms are proposed, termed indirect and direct, aimed at improving upon plug-in prediction intervals in terms of coverage probability. A simulation study is carried out that illustrates the effectiveness of both procedures, and these procedures are applied to estimate block averages of chromium traces in a potentially contaminated region in Switzerland.

Association of Histophilus somni with spontaneous abortions in dairy cattle herds from Brazil.

This study investigated the participation of infectious agents in spontaneous abortions and reproductive problems at eight dairy cattle herds from three geographical regions of Brazil. Fourteen aborted fetuses and the organ sections of one cow with history of repeated abortions were received for pathological evaluations and molecular diagnostics. PCR/RT-PCR assays targeted specific genes of abortifacient agents of cattle: bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), Listeria monocytogenes, Neospora caninum, Leptospira spp., Brucella abortus, and Histophilus somni. Six fetuses were adequate for pathological investigations; one of these did not demonstrate remarkable pathological alterations. Significant histopathological findings included vasculitis, hemorrhage, and fibrinous thrombosis of the cerebrum (n = 4); necrotizing myocarditis (n = 3); and hemorrhagic enteritis (n = 3). The placenta and uterus of the cow as well as the kidney, pancreas, and liver of her aborted fetus contained H. somni DNA and demonstrated histopathological evidence of histophilosis. All fetuses contained H. somni DNA in multiple organs. Coinfections of H. somni with B. abortus (n = 2), N. caninum (n = 2), BVDV (n = 1), and BoHV-1 (n = 1) were identified; two fetuses demonstrated three pathogens. These findings suggest that H. somni was associated with the spontaneous abortions and reproductive problems of these herds. However, the exact cause of fetal death might not be attributed only to H. somni in all aborted fetuses, since some of these were infected with other abortifacient agents.