Diruthenium(II-III)-ibuprofen-loaded chitosan-based microparticles and nanoparticles systems: encapsulation, characterisation, anticancer activity of the nanoformulations against U87MG human glioma cells.

The aim of this work was to investigate novel formulations containing diruthenium(II-III)-ibuprofen (RuIbp) metallodrug encapsulated into the chitosan (CT) biopolymer. Microparticles (RuIbp/CT MPs, ∼ 1 µm) were prepared by spray-drying, and RuIbp/CT-crosslinked nanoparticles (NPs) by ionic gelation (RuIbp/CT-TPP, TPP = tripolyphosphate (1), RuIbp/CT-TPP-PEG, PEG = poly(ethyleneglycol (2)) or pre-gel/polyelectrolyte complex method (RuIbp/CT-ALG, ALG = alginate (3)). Ru analysis was conducted by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and physicochemical characterisation by powder x-ray diffraction, electronic absorption and FTIR spectroscopies, electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, scanning electron, transition electron and atomic force microscopies, and dynamic light scattering. The RuIbp-loaded nanosystems exhibited encapsulation efficiency ∼ 20-37%, drug loading∼ 10-20% (w/w), hydrodynamic diameter (nm): 103.2 ± 7.9 (1), 91.7 ± 12.6 (2), 270.2 ± 58.4 (3), zeta potential (mV): +(47.7 ± 2.8) (1), +(49.2 ± 3.6) (2), -(28.2 ± 2.0) (3). Nanoformulation (1) showed the highest cytotoxicity with increased efficacy in relation to the RuIbp free metallodrug against U87MG human glioma cells.

Hsp65-producing Lactococcus lactis inhibits experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by preventing cell migration into spinal cord.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Because of its complexity and the difficulty to treat, searching for immunoregulatory responses that reduce the clinical signs of disease by non-aggressive mechanisms and without adverse effects is a scientific challenge. Herein we propose a protocol of oral tolerance induction that prevented and controlled MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice. The genetically modified strain HSP65-producing Lactococcus lactis was orally administered for 5 consecutive days either before or during disease development in mice. Both protocols of feeding HSP65 resulted in significant reduction in the clinical score of EAE. Frequencies of LAP+CD4+Foxp3- regulatory T cells were higher in spleens and inguinal lymph nodes of fed mice. In addition, intravital microscopy showed that adherence of leukocytes to venules in the spinal cord was reduced in orally treated mice. Oral treatment with HSP65-producing L.lactis prevented leukocytes to leave the secondary lymphoid organs, therefore they could not reach the central nervous system. Despite the inhibition of pathological immune response that drive EAE development, activated T cells were at normal frequencies suggesting that oral tolerance did not induce general immunosuppression, but it led to specific control of pathogenic T cells. Our results indicate a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent and control autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Effect of a Plant-based Intervention Among Black Individuals in the Deep South: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical/behavioral outcomes of a remotely-delivered, culturally-tailored plant-based nutrition and lifestyle intervention designed to improve cardiovascular risk among Black adults in a rural, Black Belt community. METHODS: We implemented a 12-week intervention with weekly educational sessions, cooking lessons, social support, exercise, and food items. OUTCOME(S): Body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, trimethylamine N-oxide, diet/physical activity. Paired t tests analyzed preintervention and postintervention differences (n = 24). RESULTS: Body mass index and waist circumference were reduced (P < 0.001), and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 10.8% and 13.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a 25.8% reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.02). Diet and physical activity were also improved. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely-delivered intervention focused on improving cardiovascular risk through plant-based nutrition, physical activity/wellness, social support, and cultural adaptability. Larger scale and longer-term studies are needed.

A novel µ-oxo-diruthenium(III,III)-ibuprofen-(4-aminopyridine) chloride derived from the diruthenium(II,III)-ibuprofen paddlewheel metallodrug shows anticancer properties.

Diruthenium(II,III) metal-metal multiply bonded paddlewheel complexes bearing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are promising anticancer metallodrugs. The [Ru2(Ibp)4Cl] (Ibp, ibuprofenate anion from HIbp ibuprofen drug), free or encapsulated, shows anticancer activity against glioblastoma (in vitro, in vivo), and against human breast and prostate cancer cells. Herein we report the interaction of [Ru2(Ibp)4Cl] and of [Ru2(Ac)4(H2O)2]PF6 (Ac, acetate) with the 4-aminopyridine (4Apy) drug. The N-ligand was capable of cleaving the paddlewheel unit with oxidation of Ru2(II,III) to Ru2(III,III)O µ-oxo core in the ibuprofen complex while the acetate complex underwent axial substitution of water by 4Apy. Carefully designed synthetic and chromatographic methods succeeded in giving the novel [Ru2O(Ibp)2(4Apy)6]Cl2 metallodrug, the first diruthenium(III,III) µ-oxo having chloride as counterion. Characterization was performed by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, electronic absorption and vibrational spectroscopies, molar conductivity and cyclic voltammetry. Kinetic studies for the µ-oxo complex (in 50:50 v/v ethanol:water) suggested an aquation/complexation equilibrium in consecutive step reactions with the exchange of the two 4Apy trans to the µ-oxo bridge by water (aquation) and the back coordination of 4Apy in excess of the N-ligand (complexation). Trypan blue assays for the novel compound showed time- and dose- dependent antiproliferative effects (at 5-50 µmol L-1) and cytotoxicity (> 20 µmol L-1), and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assays gave IC50 value of 7.6 ± 1.5 µmol L-1 (at 48 h, 1-20 µmol L-1) against U87MG human glioblastoma cells (aggressive brain glioma cancer) pointing the metallodrug as potential candidate for novel therapies in gliomas.

Aligning tumor mutational burden (TMB) quantification across diagnostic platforms: phase II of the Friends of Cancer Research TMB Harmonization Project.

BACKGROUND: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) measurements aid in identifying patients who are likely to benefit from immunotherapy; however, there is empirical variability across panel assays and factors contributing to this variability have not been comprehensively investigated. Identifying sources of variability can help facilitate comparability across different panel assays, which may aid in broader adoption of panel assays and development of clinical applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine tumor samples and 10 human-derived cell lines were processed and distributed to 16 laboratories; each used their own bioinformatics pipelines to calculate TMB and compare to whole exome results. Additionally, theoretical positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of TMB were estimated. The impact of filtering pathogenic and germline variants on TMB estimates was assessed. Calibration curves specific to each panel assay were developed to facilitate translation of panel TMB values to whole exome sequencing (WES) TMB values. RESULTS: Panel sizes >667 Kb are necessary to maintain adequate PPA and NPA for calling TMB high versus TMB low across the range of cut-offs used in practice. Failure to filter out pathogenic variants when estimating panel TMB resulted in overestimating TMB relative to WES for all assays. Filtering out potential germline variants at >0% population minor allele frequency resulted in the strongest correlation to WES TMB. Application of a calibration approach derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas data, tailored to each panel assay, reduced the spread of panel TMB values around the WES TMB as reflected in lower root mean squared error (RMSE) for 26/29 (90%) of the clinical samples. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of TMB varies across different panels, with panel size, gene content, and bioinformatics pipelines contributing to empirical variability. Statistical calibration can achieve more consistent results across panels and allows for comparison of TMB values across various panel assays. To promote reproducibility and comparability across assays, a software tool was developed and made publicly available.

Protective effect against gastric mucosa injury of a sulfated agaran from Acanthophora spicifera.

In this study, a polysaccharide from marine alga Acanthophora spicifera (PAs) was isolated and structurally characterized. Its protective potential against chemically-induced gastric mucosa injury was evaluated. The gel permeation chromatography experiments and spectroscopy spectrum showed that PAs is a sulfated polysaccharide with a high molecular mass (6.98 × 105g/mol) and degree of sulfation of 1.23, exhibiting structural characteristic typical of an agar-type polysaccharide. Experimental results demonstrated that PAs reduced the hemorrhagic gastric injury, in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PAs reduced the intense gastric oxidative stress, measured by glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. PAs also prevented the reduction of mucus levels adhered to the gastric mucosa, promoted by the aggressive effect of ethanol. In summary, the sulfated polysaccharide from A. spicifera protected the gastric mucosa through the prevention of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the defense mechanisms of the gastric mucosa, suggesting as a promising functional food as gastroprotective agent.

Medical Interns and COVID-19: results of national research.

OBJECTIVE Assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical students' internships in public and private institutions in Brasil, in addition to estimating the quality of the measures taken by their respective Universities in the face of the problem and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative analysis study carried out with 317 students undergoing medical internship from March 31, 2020, to April 12, 2020. The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey tool with 20 questions. Interns from the fourth to the sixth year of medical schools in the country were randomly included in the study through a survey sent by Whatsapp application. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square, considering p <0.05 as significant. RESULTS Four main topics were identified in the research: student demographic data; how classes and courses are being taught; the use and ease of access to personal protective equipment and the students' fears and perspectives for the future. CONCLUSION The study clarified that although half of the students still have some degree of content and, in their majority, they are satisfied, there is still a lot of difficulty in obtaining personal protective equipment, which prevents students from returning safely to their internships.

Medical Interns and COVID-19: results of national research

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical students' internships in public and private institutions in Brasil, in addition to estimating the quality of the measures taken by their respective Universities in the face of the problem and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative analysis study carried out with 317 students undergoing medical internship from March 31, 2020, to April 12, 2020. The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey tool with 20 questions. Interns from the fourth to the sixth year of medical schools in the country were randomly included in the study through a survey sent by Whatsapp application. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square, considering p <0.05 as significant. RESULTS Four main topics were identified in the research: student demographic data; how classes and courses are being taught; the use and ease of access to personal protective equipment and the students' fears and perspectives for the future. CONCLUSION The study clarified that although half of the students still have some degree of content and, in their majority, they are satisfied, there is still a lot of difficulty in obtaining personal protective equipment, which prevents students from returning safely to their internships.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o impacto da Covid-19 durante o internato dos alunos de medicina em escolas públicas e particulares no Brasil, além de estimar a qualidade das medidas tomadas pelas respectivas universidades diante do agravo e da disponibilização de equipamento de proteção individual. MÉTODO Um estudo de análise quantitativa transversal, com caráter descritivo, foi realizado com 317 alunos cursando o internato médico durante o período de 31 de março de 2020 a 12 de abril de 2020. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de um questionário on-line com 20 perguntas pela ferramenta SurveyMonkey. Os internos do 4o ao 6o ano das faculdades de medicina do País foram incluídos no estudo de forma randômica ao receberem a pesquisa pelo aplicativo WhatsApp. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do Qui-quadrado, considerando p<0,05 como significante. RESULTADOS Quatro temas principais foram identificados na pesquisa: dados demográficos dos alunos; como as aulas e estágios do curso estão sendo ministrados; a utilização e facilidade de aquisição do equipamento de proteção individual e medos e perspectivas futuras dos estudantes. CONCLUSÕES O estudo mostrou que apesar de metade dos alunos continuarem tendo algum grau de conteúdo e, na maioria, estarem satisfeitos, ainda há muita dificuldade em se obter equipamento de proteção individual, o que impede que os alunos retornem com segurança aos seus campos de estágio, além de causar medo de contaminação e de continuar atendendo os pacientes.

The Potential for Plant-Based Diets to Promote Health Among Blacks Living in the United States.

Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risks of various chronic diseases in the general population. However, it is unclear how these benefits translate to Blacks living in the United States, who are disproportionately burdened with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The objectives of this study were to: (1) review the general evidence of plant-based diets and health outcomes; (2) discuss how this evidence translates to Blacks following a plant-based diet; and (3) provide recommendations and considerations for future studies in this area. Interestingly, although the evidence supporting plant-based diets in the general population is robust, little research has been done on Blacks specifically. However, the available data suggests that following a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of heart disease and possibly cancer in this population. More research is needed on cardiovascular disease risk factors, cancer subtypes, and other chronic diseases. Further, attention must be given to the unique individual, familial, communal, and environmental needs that Blacks who follow plant-based diets may have. Interventions must be culturally appropriate in order to achieve long-term success, and providing low-cost, flavorful, and nutritious options will be important.

Neoplasmas cutâneos em cães: 656 casos (2007-2014) em Cuiabá, MT / Cutaneous neoplasms in dogs: 656 cases (2007-2014) from Cuiabá, MT

Os neoplasmas cutâneos em cães apresentam elevada e relevante prevalência em todo o Brasil. Sendo assim, objetivou-se determinar a frequência e algumas características epidemiológicas dos neoplasmas cutâneos em cães diagnosticados no Laboratório de Patologia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (LPV-UFMT), Cuiabá, entre os anos de 2007 a 2014. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsias e biopsias do LPV-UFMT, de cães com neoplasmas cutâneos. Dados referentes à idade, sexo, raça dos cães afetados, localização anatômica, tamanho, diagnóstico histomorfológico e comportamento biológico foram coletados e analisados através de uma análise estatística descritiva. Adicionalmente o teste χ2, foi utilizado para associações entre comportamento biológico e tamanho da massa. Dos 3566 exames realizados, 656 (18,4%) foram diagnosticados como tumores cutâneos sendo cães adultos e idosos das raças Pit Bull, Boxer e Poodle os mais acometidos. Dentre os 11 padrões morfológicos mais diagnosticados o mastocitoma, carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) e os tumores de origem vascular foram os mais frequentemente relatados. Em relação ao sítio anatômico, a cabeça foi a mais acometida. A maioria dos tumores benignos apresentaram menos de 1cm de diâmetro e os malignos de 3 a 5cm. O aumento de neoplasmas em adultos e idosos pode estar relacionado ao somatório de danos causados por agentes carcinogênicos e o comprometimento imunológico.(AU)

Canine cutaneous neoplasms present high and relevant prevalence throughout Brazil. Here we determine the frequency and epidemiological characteristics of canine cutaneous neoplasms in dogs diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (LPV-UFMT), Cuiabá, from 2007 to 2014. The necropsy and biopsy protocols from canine cutaneous neoplasms diagnosed at the LPV-UFMT were reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, breed of affected dogs, anatomical location, size, histomorphological diagnosis and biological behavior of the tumors were evaluated through a descriptive statistical analysis. In addition, the χ2 test was used for associations between biological behavior and mass size. Of the 3566 examinations performed, 656 (18.4%) were diagnosed as cutaneous tumors being adult and old dogs of Pit Bull, Boxer and Poodle races most affected. Among the diagnoses, 11 morphological patterns were the most prevalent, being mastocytoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and tumors of vascular origin most frequently reported. In relation to the anatomical site, the head was the most affected. Most of the benign tumors were less than 1cm in diameter and the malignant were 3 to 5cm. The increase of neoplasms in adults and old age dogs may be associated to the sum of damage caused by carcinogenic agents and the immunological impairment.(AU)

Longitudinal Analysis of Nut-Inclusive Diets and Body Mass Index Among Overweight and Obese African American Women Living in Rural Alabama and Mississippi, 2011-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Nuts, when eaten alongside other nutritionally rich foods, may decrease obesity and related chronic disease risks, which are high among African American women in the rural South. We monitored changes in nut intake, other obesity-related foods (fruits, vegetables, red or processed meats, added sugars), and body mass index (BMI) over a 2-year weight loss intervention among 383 overweight and obese African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. METHODS: Two dietary recalls were administered at 4 points over 24 months. Mann-Whitney tests compared differences in median food group intake between nut consumers and non-nut consumers, and t tests identified BMI differences between groups. Mixed linear models tested the relationship between nut intake and intake of the select food groups, and between nut intake and BMI over time. RESULTS: Overall nut consumers ate more fruits and vegetables and less red meat than non-nut consumers. Nut consumers had lower BMI values than non-nut consumers. Weight loss by the end of the intervention was significant for nut consumers but not for non-nut consumers, even after accounting for kilocalorie consumption and physical activity engagement. CONCLUSION: Nut consumption is associated with consumption of other nutritionally rich foods and lower BMI among African American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. Future interventions should target increasing daily nut intake, decreasing added sugar intake, and identifying strategies to encourage positive dietary changes to continue after an intervention.

Plant growth regulator-mediated anti-herbivore responses of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) against cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Plant elicitors can be biological or chemical-derived stimulators of jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA) pathways shown to prime the defenses in many crops. Examples of chemical elicitors of the JA and SA pathways include methyl-jasmonate and 1,2,3-benzothiadiazole-7-carbothioate (BTH or the commercial plant activator Actigard 50WG, respectively). The use of specific elicitors has been observed to affect the normal interaction between JA and SA pathways causing one to be upregulated and the other to be suppressed, often, but not always, at the expense of the plant's herbivore or pathogen defenses. The objective of this study was to determine whether insects feeding on Brassica crops might be negatively affected by SA inducible defenses combined with an inhibitor of detoxification and anti-oxidant enzymes that regulate the insect response to the plant's defenses. The relative growth rate of cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed induced cabbage Brassica oleraceae leaves with the inhibitor, quercetin, was significantly less than those fed control cabbage with and without the inhibitor. The reduced growth was related to the reduction of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) by the combination of quercetin and increased levels of indole glucosinolates in the cabbage treated with BTH at 2.6× the recommended application rate. These findings may offer a novel combination of elicitor and synergist that can provide protection from plant disease and herbivores in cabbage and other Brassica crops.

Diruthenium(ii,iii) metallodrugs of ibuprofen and naproxen encapsulated in intravenously injectable polymer-lipid nanoparticles exhibit enhanced activity against breast and prostate cancer cells.

A unique class of diruthenium(ii,iii) metallodrugs containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Ru2(NSAID), have been reported to show anticancer activity in glioma models in vitro and in vivo. This work reports the encapsulation of the lead metallodrug of ibuprofen (HIbp), [Ru2(Ibp)4Cl] or RuIbp, and also of the new analogue of naproxen (HNpx), [Ru2(Npx)4Cl] or RuNpx, in novel intravenously (i.v.) injectable solid polymer-lipid nanoparticles (SPLNs). A rationally selected composition of lipids/polymers rendered nearly spherical Ru2(NSAID)-SPLNs with a mean size of 120 nm and zeta potential of about -20 mV. The Ru2(NSAID)-SPLNs are characterized by spectroscopic techniques and the composition in terms of ruthenium-drug species is analyzed by mass spectrometry. The metallodrug-loaded nanoparticles showed high drug loading (17-18%) with ∼100% drug loading efficiency, and good colloidal stability in serum at body temperature. Fluorescence-labeled SPLNs were taken up by the cancer cells in a time- and energy-dependent manner as analyzed by confocal microscopy and fluorescence spectrometry. The Ru2(NSAID)-SPLNs showed enhanced cytotoxicity (IC50 at 60-100 µmol L-1 ) in relation to the corresponding Ru2(NSAID) metallodrugs in breast (EMT6 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (DU145) cancer cells in vitro. The cell viability of both metallodrug nanoformulations is also compared with those of the parent NSAIDs, HIbp and HNpx, and their corresponding NSAID-SPLNs. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed good biodistribution and high tumor accumulation of fluorescence-labeled SPLNs following i.v. injection in an orthotopic breast tumor model. The enhanced anticancer activity of the metallodrug-loaded SPLNs in these cell lines can be associated with the advantages of the nanoformulations, assigned mainly to the stability of the colloidal nanoparticles suitable for i.v. injection and enhanced cellular uptake. The findings of this work encourage future in vivo efficacy studies to further exploit the potential of the novel Ru2(NSAID)-SPLN nanoformulations for clinical application.

How online counselling can support partners of individuals with problem alcohol or other drug use.

BACKGROUND: Problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use impacts partners heavily, with an increased risk of experiencing domestic violence, financial stressors, health problems and relationship challenges. However, partners often do not seek help or support due to a range of barriers (e.g., shame, stigma, practical constraints). Online counselling may facilitate help-seeking by overcoming many of these barriers, however research is needed to explore what motivates partners to contact online counselling services, their experiences and needs, and how partners can be best supported online. METHOD: One hundred transcripts of partners of individuals with problem AOD use were sampled from a 24-hour national AOD synchronous online chat counselling service. Descriptive content analysis was used to investigate themes related to help-seeking. RESULTS: Three broad themes, with seven sub-themes, were identified: (i) the reason for accessing online counselling (seeking advice, wanting to talk), (ii) discussing help-seeking and coping processes (past/present help-seeking or coping strategies, barriers and facilitators to seeking help and change), and (iii) planning for future assistance (future planning, treatment preferences). CONCLUSIONS: Partners wanted to talk about their concerns with a non-judgemental professional. However, the majority of help-seekers wanted advice and assistance in problem-solving, coping and the process of seeking further help. Future studies need to examine the impact of online help-seeking by partners.

Doenças de bovinos em Mato Grosso diagnosticadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da UFMT (2005-2014) / Cattle diseases in Mato Grosso diagnosed in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of UFMT (2005-2014)

Foi realizado um levantamento nos arquivos do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT) das doenças de bovinos registradas entre os anos 2005 a 2014. Foram revisados 1124 casos. Destes, 27,6% foram amostras obtidas de necropsias realizadas por técnicos do LPV-UFMT e 72,3% foram amostras encaminhadas ao LPV-UFMT por veterinários de campo. Em 49,38% dos casos (555/1124) o diagnóstico da doença foi feito através da análise morfológica de lesões e/ou através de exames complementares. Raiva foi a principal causa de morte de bovinos neste estudo (7,82%). As doenças inflamatórias e parasitárias foram as mais prevalentes sendo diagnosticadas em 27,49% dos casos, seguida das doenças tóxicas e toxiinfecções com 9,78%. As demais categorias foram distribuídas em ordem decrescente em: neoplasmas e lesões tumoriformes (4%), doenças degenerativas (3,02%), distúrbios causados por agentes físicos (2,84%), distúrbios metabólicos e nutricionais (1,42%) e outras categorias (0,71%).(AU)

A survey was conducted on files of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory (LPV), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), about cattle disease recorded during the years 2005 to 2014. From a total of 1124 reviewed cases, 27.6% were samples obtained from autopsies performed by technicians of the LPV-UFMT, and 72.3% were samples sent to LPV-UFMT by field veterinarians. In 49.38% of cases (555/1124) the diagnosis of the disease was made by morphological analysis of lesions and/or through additional tests. Rabies was the major cause of death in cattle in this study (7.82%). Inflammatory and parasitic disease was the most prevalent category diagnosed with 27.49% of cases, followed by toxicoses and toxinfections (9.78%). The other categories were distributed in descending order, as neoplasms and tumor-like lesions (4%), degenerative diseases (3.02%), disorders caused by physical agents (2.84%), metabolic and nutritional disorders (1.42%), and other categories (0.71%).(AU)

Dynamics of Urban Informal Labor Supply in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: This study provides the first panel data estimates of informal work in the US and explores relationships between informal- and regular-sector participation among urban parents of young children. METHODS: I examine determinants of informal-sector participation in five waves of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study using probit, pooled Tobit, and fixed effects OLS models. RESULTS: Approximately 53 percent of urban fathers and 32 percent of urban mothers with young children pursue informal work over a nine-year period. Informal work most often occurs in conjunction with regular work. Workers who work in both sectors in the same year are more likely to be non-minority race, higher education (mothers only), own credit cards, and work in skilled white- or blue-collar occupations. Workers who ever participate in only the informal sector are more likely to be younger, to have health limitations, and to have never worked in the regular sector. Informal participation spells are shorter than regular-sector participation spells and are associated with changes in regular-sector participation and occupation but not most other life events. CONCLUSION: Consistent with past work, informal work among parents of young children is widespread across socioeconomic groups. Transitions in and out of the informal sector are strongly related to changes in regular-sector employment and occupation. The results suggest that regular-sector participation provides access to informal work opportunities.

Nut Intake among Overweight and Obese African-American Women in the Rural South.

OBJECTIVE: Nut consumption decreases risk for obesity and chronic diseases, which are prevalent among African-American women in the rural southeastern United States. The quantity and quality of nut intake in this population is unclear. We examined the amount, source, and quality of nut consumption among overweight and obese African-American women in rural Alabama and Mississippi. METHODS: Two 24-hour dietary recalls were administered to 426 women. Mann-Whitney tests, t-tests, and linear regression models identified differences in added sugar and sodium intake between nut consumers and non-consumers, differences in mean nut, added sugar, and sodium intake between stand-alone and incorporated nut sources, and a relationship between nut intake and added sugar and sodium intake. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of participants consumed nuts, and 16% met federal recommendations for nut intake. Nut consumption was mainly from incorporated sources (65%), which were higher in added sugar (p < .001) and sodium (p < .001), and lower in nut quantity (p < .001) than stand-alone sources. Nut consumers consumed more daily added sugar (p = .004) and sodium (p = .04) than non-consumers. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal quantity and quality of nut intake may impede the health benefits of nut consumption among African-American women in the rural South.

Avaliação dos métodos de otoscopia e exame do swab parasitológico no diagnóstico da otocariose canina: uma abordagem bayesiana / Evaluation of methods of the otoscopy and parasitological swab in diagnosis of canine otocariose: a bayes analysis

Ácaros do gênero Otodectes são parasitos encontrados frequentemente no ouvido de cães e gatos, sendo reconhecidos como os principais causadores de otite externa nesses animais. Trezentos e vinte cães, oriundos do município de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, foram examinados através da otoscopia e do exame do swab parasitológico, com o objetivo de avaliar, através da análise bayesiana para a estimativa da prevalência, sensibilidade e especificidade destes métodos no diagnóstico da infestação causada pelo ácaro utilizando-se de dados a priori informativos e não informativos. Cada animal foi considerado uma unidade experimental. Do total de cães examinados, 142 (44,37%) apresentaram-se positivos para otocariose. Em 100 animais (31,25%) a infestação foi diagnosticada pelos dois métodos, em 31 (9,69%) apenas pelo exame do swab parasitológico, em 11 (3,44%) apenas pela otoscopia e em 178 (55,62%) animais o resultado foi negativo por ambos os métodos. A sensibilidade da otoscopia, quando comparada ao exame do swab parasitológico, foi considerada menor, a especificidade dos testes, porém, não difere estatisticamente. O modelo, a priori informativo, demonstrou ser o mais plausível e reduziu consideravelmente o intervalo de credibilidade das estimativas dos parâmetros. Conclui-se que a análise bayesiana é efetiva na estimativa da prevalência e características dos testes diagnósticos...

Mites of the genus Otodectes are parasites found frequently in the ear of dogs and cats, being recognized as the main causers of external otitis in these animals. Three hundred and twenty dogs, deriving of the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, had been examined through the otoscopy and of the examination of parasitological swab, with the objective to evaluate through the bayes'analysis for the estimate of the prevalence, sensitivity and especificity of these methods in the diagnosis of the infestation caused for the mite, using dates informative and not informative a priori. Each animal was considered an experimental unit. Of the total of examined dogs, 142 (44.37%) had been presented positive for otocariosis. In 100 animals (31.25%) the infestation was diagnosed by the two methods, in 31 (9.69%) only for the examination of parasitological swab, in 11 (3.44%) only for the otoscopy and in 178 (55.62%) animal the result was negative for both the methods. The sensitivity of the otoscopy, when compared with the examination of parasitological swab, was considered lesser, however the especificity of tests they do not differ. The informative model with priori it demonstrated to be most reasonable and considerably reduced the interval of credibility of the estimates of the parameters. It can be concluded that Bayes'analysis is effective in the estimation of prevalence and characteristics of the diagnostic tests...

Vitamin A supplementation leads to increases in regulatory CD4+Foxp3+LAP+ T cells in mice.

Dietary compounds, including micronutrients such as vitamin A and its metabolite retinoic acid, directly influence the development and function of the immune system. In this study, we show that either dietary deficiency of or supplementation with vitamin A had immunologic effects in mice that were fed these diets during their development (for 8 wk during the postweaning period). Deficient mice presented higher levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, transforming growth factor-ß, IL-17, and IL-10 in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues and draining lymph nodes, indicating a proinflammatory shift in the gut mucosa. Serum immunoglobulin G levels also were elevated in these mice. Conversely, supplemented mice showed higher frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+LAP+ regulatory T cells in gut lymphoid tissues and spleen, suggesting that vitamin A supplementation in the diet may be beneficial in pathologic situations such as inflammatory bowel diseases.