Interplay between diphenyl diselenide and copper: Impact on D. melanogaster survival, behavior, and biochemical parameters.

Copper (Cu2+) is a biologically essential element that participates in numerous physiological processes. However, elevated concentrations of copper have been associated with cellular oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. Organo­selenium compounds such as diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. Hence, we hypothesized that DPDS may modulate the toxicity of Cu2+ in Drosophila melanogaster. The acute effects (4 days of exposure) caused by a high concentration of Cu2+ (3 mM) were studied using endpoints of toxicity such as survival and behavior in D. melanogaster. The potential protective effect of low concentration of DPDS (20 µM) against Cu2+ was also investigated. Adult flies aged 1-5 days post-eclosion (both sexes) were divided into four groups: Control, DPDS (20 µM), CuSO4 (3 mM), and the combined exposure of DPDS (20 µM) and CuSO4 (3 mM). Survival, biochemical, and behavioral parameters were determined. Co-exposure of DPDS and CuSO4 increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS as determined by DFCH oxidation). Contrary to our expectation, the co-exposure reduced survival, body weight, locomotion, catalase activity, and cell viability in relation to control group. Taken together, DPDS potentiated the Cu2+ toxicity.

Quality, proximate composition, and sensory characteristics of Dorper, domestic commercial crossbred, and Australian sheep meat: a comparative study.

The objective of this study was to compare the proximate, quality, and sensory attributes of Dorper sheep meat (Dorper), domestic commercial crossbred (DCC) and Australian commercial crossbred (ACC). A total of 60 untrimmed loins from the three sheep sources were purchased (20 sheep loins/source) and processed. The objective color, objective tenderness [Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF)], and proximate composition of the sheep meat were evaluated. A consumer panel and a trained sensory panel were also conducted to evaluate the sensory attributes. Dorper had greater (P = 0.04) carbohydrate content compared to DCC, but was not (P = 0.86) different from ACC. In addition, Dorper had the greatest WBSF value, followed by DCC, with ACC having the least WBSF out of the three (P < 0.0001). For the consumer panel, Dorper was rated to be less tender than ACC (P = 0.01), but was not different from DCC (P = 0.76). Dorper was also rated with lower flavor acceptability compared to DCC (P = 0.02), but was not different from ACC (P = 0.86). In addition, Dorper had the lowest overall acceptance rating by the consumers (P = 0.01). Trained sensory panel results followed the same trend as the consumer panel results which rated Dorper to be less tender than ACC (P = 0.002), but was not different from DCC (P = 0.10). Dorper was also rated with greater off-flavor intensity compared to DCC (P = 0.009), but was not different from ACC (P = 0.53). Finally, no differences were found for all other attributes evaluated among the sheep sources. The results indicated that consumers did not prefer Dorper over ACC and DCC. However, additional research with a more controlled environment is needed to shed light on the true palatability traits of Dorper.

Iron triggers the early stages of cartilage degeneration in vitro: The role of articular chondrocytes.

Objective: Arthropathy is a major clinical problem in patients with hemochromatosis, the most common genetic disorder of iron overload. The pathological features of hemochromatosis arthropathy (HA) are heterogeneous and its specific nature remains unknown. One important drawback is the lack of proper in vitro models. The aim of the present study was to set up a model to investigate the biological response of cartilage to iron exposure. Design: Bovine articular cartilage explants were incubated with ferric citrate for up to 9 days. We evaluated chondrocyte viability, iron deposition, and biomarkers of cartilage degradation in the conditioned medium. Results: Iron accumulated within chondrocytes, which was associated with programmed cell death through chondroptosis. Iron treatment increased the release of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), a component of the extracellular matrix, into the medium (p=0.0189). This was dependent on the presence of viable chondrocytes and was associated with increased activity of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMP) (pro/active MMP-9, p=0.0317; pro MMP-2, p=0.0092; active MMP-2, p=0.0288). Co-treatment with the broad MMP/aggrecanase inhibitor prinomastat reduced iron-mediated sGAG release (0.02 â€‹µM, p=0.0425; 2 â€‹µM, p=0.0014), confirming that iron induces sGAG release via the activation of catabolic enzymes. Notably, iron-treated cartilage continued to release an increased amount of sGAG into the medium for 6 days after termination of the ferric citrate treatment (p=0.0259). Conclusions: Iron triggers the early stages of cartilage degeneration. Removal of iron exposure does not prevent further damage to the cartilage, thus providing a possible explanation why HA is not prevented after iron depletion by phlebotomy treatment.

Is pelvic floor muscle training effective for symptoms of overactive bladder in women? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome can be very bothersome and is associated with impaired quality of life and work productivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on OAB symptoms in women. Furthermore, to assess the influence of PFMT on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, satisfaction with treatment, side effects, adherence and the quality of exercise reporting. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SciELO, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was used to assess the quality of exercise reporting. STUDY SELECTION: Full text RCTs including non-pregnant female participants, investigating PFMT vs inactive control or usual care, other life style modifications or other interventions. SYNTHESIS METHODS: Descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included. There was considerable heterogeneity of PFMT protocols, outcome measures and follow-up periods. Hence, a qualitative analysis was undertaken. PFMT provided a significant reduction of OAB symptoms in five studies with a reduction in urinary frequency (n=1), and urgency urinary incontinence (n=4). PFM function was assessed in three studies, and two studies found improvement in favor of PFMT. LIMITATIONS: A meta-analysis was not possible due to huge heterogeneity of included studies. CONCLUSION: PFMT might reduce OAB symptoms, however, due to many limitations of the published studies it is not possible to clearly determine the effect of PFMT on OAB symptoms and PFM function. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018085640.

Tactile Stimulation on Adulthood Modifies the HPA Axis, Neurotrophic Factors, and GFAP Signaling Reverting Depression-Like Behavior in Female Rats.

Depression is a common psychiatric disease which pharmacological treatment relieves symptoms, but still far from ideal. Tactile stimulation (TS) has shown beneficial influences in neuropsychiatric disorders, but the mechanism of action is not clear. Here, we evaluated the TS influence when applied on adult female rats previously exposed to a reserpine-induced depression-like animal model. Immediately after reserpine model (1 mg/kg/mL, 1×/day, for 3 days), female Wistar rats were submitted to TS (15 min, 3×/day, for 8 days) or not (unhandled). Imipramine (10 mg/kg/mL) was used as positive control. After behavioral assessments, animals were euthanized to collect plasma and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Behavioral observations in the forced swimming test, splash test, and sucrose preference confirmed the reserpine-induced depression-like behavior, which was reversed by TS. Our findings showed that reserpine increased plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, and increased proBDNF immunoreactivity in the PFC, which were also reversed by TS. Moreover, TS reestablished glial fibrillary acidic protein and glucocorticoid receptor levels, decreased by reserpine in PFC, while glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor was increased by TS per se. Our outcomes are showing that TS applied in adulthood exerts a beneficial influence in depression-like behaviors, modulating the HPA axis and regulating neurotrophic factors more effectively than imipramine. Based on this, our proposal is that TS, in the long term, could be considered a new therapeutic strategy for neuropsychiatric disorders improvement in adult life, which may represent an interesting contribution to conventional pharmacological treatment.

Gene editing in the context of an increasingly complex genome.

The reporting of the first draft of the human genome in 2000 brought with it much hope for the future in what was felt as a paradigm shift toward improved health outcomes. Indeed, we have now mapped the majority of variation across human populations with landmark projects such as 1000 Genomes; in cancer, we have catalogued mutations across the primary carcinomas; whilst, for other diseases, we have identified the genetic variants with strongest association. Despite this, we are still awaiting the genetic revolution in healthcare to materialise and translate itself into the health benefits for which we had hoped. A major problem we face relates to our underestimation of the complexity of the genome, and that of biological mechanisms, generally. Fixation on DNA sequence alone and a 'rigid' mode of thinking about the genome has meant that the folding and structure of the DNA molecule -and how these relate to regulation- have been underappreciated. Projects like ENCODE have additionally taught us that regulation at the level of RNA is just as important as that at the spatiotemporal level of chromatin.In this review, we chart the course of the major advances in the biomedical sciences in the era pre- and post the release of the first draft sequence of the human genome, taking a focus on technology and how its development has influenced these. We additionally focus on gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 as a key technique, in particular its use in the context of complex biological mechanisms. Our aim is to shift the mode of thinking about the genome to that which encompasses a greater appreciation of the folding of the DNA molecule, DNA- RNA/protein interactions, and how these regulate expression and elaborate disease mechanisms.Through the composition of our work, we recognise that technological improvement is conducive to a greater understanding of biological processes and life within the cell. We believe we now have the technology at our disposal that permits a better understanding of disease mechanisms, achievable through integrative data analyses. Finally, only with greater understanding of disease mechanisms can techniques such as gene editing be faithfully conducted.

Hígado graso no alcohólico en la infancia: fisiopatología, tratamiento actual y perspectivas / Paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Pathophysiology, current treatment and perspectives

Introducción: La enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) es la primera causa de enfermedad hepática crónica en niños en los países desarrollados. Esta elevada prevalencia se debe a la estrecha relación con la obesidad infantil, patología con categoría de epidemia. Hace referencia a la esteatosis, o depósito de grasa difuso e intracelular no complicado, y a la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, definida por la necroinflamación y, en ocasiones, la balonización hepatocelular (más frecuente en adultos). No tiene clínica específica y se suele sospechar en el contexto clínico de obesidad, resistencia a la insulina o diabetes mellitus. De cara al diagnóstico, las transaminasas pueden estar elevadas, presentar valores normales u oscilaciones en el tiempo. Pacientes y métodos: Planteamos este trabajo como revisión y actualización de las posibilidades terapéuticas que pueden emplearse actualmente o en un futuro próximo, además del tratamiento actual de la NAFLD basado en el ejercicio físico y la dieta adecuada. Para ello, realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica para conocer las nuevas dianas terapéuticas y las medidas farmacológicas y/o quirúrgicas en diferentes etapas de investigación. Resultados: Se describen varias dianas terapéuticas que pueden contribuir a la dieta y al ejercicio, así como futuras líneas de investigación. Conclusiones: Es difícil mantener una adecuada rutina de dieta y ejercicio en la edad pediátrica, por lo que varios fármacos (descritos en el artículo más adelante) de uso probado en adultos y la cirugía bariátrica pueden contribuir al tratamiento de la NAFLD en la edad pediátrica (AU)

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children in developed countries. This high prevalence is due to the close relationship with childhood obesity, disease reaching epidemic category. It refers to the deposit or diffuse steatosis and intracellular fat and complicated NASH defined by necroinflammation and sometimes hepatocellular ballooning. It has no specific clinical and is usually suspected in the clinical context of obesity, insulin resistance or diabetes mellitus. Transaminases may be elevated, have normal levels or be oscillating in time. Patients and methods: We raise this work as revising and updating the therapeutic possibilities that may be currently employed or in the near future, in addition to the current treatment of NAFLD based on physical exercise and the right diet. We carry out a literature search to learn about new therapeutic targets and drug and/or surgical measures at different stages of research. Results: Several therapeutic targets that may contribute to the diet and exercise are described and future research. Conclusions: It is difficult to maintain a proper diet and exercise routine in children, so many drugs (described in the article below) of proven use in adults and bariatric surgery can contribute to the treatment of NAFLD in children (AU)

Proteomic assessment of colorectal cancers and respective resection margins from patients of the Amazon state of Brazil.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer in the world with a low survival rate and therapeutic efficiency. Tumor surgery implies the removal of an apparently non-tumorous tissue around the tumor in an attempt to reduce recurrence chances; this tissue is referred to as the resection margin. Our analysis employed an 8-plex iTRAQ to label four adenocarcinoma biopsies and their corresponding resection margins at 5cm; our results disclose fifty-six proteins as being differentially abundant. These proteins are mainly involved in energetic metabolism (e.g. S100 calcium binding protein A11), cell migration (e.g. transgelin), formation of the cytoskeleton (e.g. profilin 1) and degradation of extracellular matrix (e.g. carbonic anhydrase 2). A gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed several proteins related to adhesion, invasion, metastasis, death, and recognition cell. Taken together, our results highlight proteins related to invasion, cell proliferation, and linked to the metastasis of colorectal cancer in tumor tissue. Finally, we argue that the expression patterns revealed in our comparison helps shed light on the development of more effective surgical strategies and add to the comprehension of this disease. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer in the world with a low survival rate and therapeutic efficiency. Tumor surgery implies the removal of an apparently non-tumorous tissue around the tumor in an attempt to reduce recurrence chances; this tissue is also referred to as the resection margin. In this regard, resection margins pose as a treasure trove for investigating the molecular characteristics of the tumorigenesis process. While most studies focus on comparing cancer versus control tissue, this study contrasts the proteomic profiles of colorectal cancer biopsies with their corresponding resection margin at 5cm apart. Our analysis employed an 8-plex iTRAQ labeling and a 4-step offline MudPIT online with a Velos. A gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed several proteins related to adhesion, invasion, metastasis, death, and recognition cell.

High Intensity Interval Training Reduces the Levels of Serum Inflammatory Cytokine on Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Objectives: This study investigate the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) and 2 weeks of detraining in functional and body composition parameters, lipoproteins, glucose metabolismand inflammation markers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS). Design: 17 untrained women with MS underwent a HIIT program for 12 weeks. Methods: The training was performed in treadmills, 3 days per week, with intensity ranging from 70-90% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax) and 2 weeks untrained (inactive). Functional and body composition parameters were evaluated before and after the training, while maximal oxygen uptake, lipoprotein and inflammation markers were analyzed before, after training and also in detraining. Results: The HITT program resulted in changesparameters as glucose, HbA1cand NOx after training. In addition, a reduction in pro-inflammatory interleukins and an increase in IL-10 after the HIIT program were found. However, an increase in plasma levels of lipoprotein was found and body composition parameters remain unaltered.Besides, only 2 weeks of detraining are able to revert the effects on inflammatory parameters afforded by the HIIT program. Conclusions: The HIIT program used here positively affected inflammatory profile and other parameters, as glucose, HbA1cand NOx, on postmenopausal women with MS. Moreover, 2 weeks of detraining can reverse the beneficial effects of HIIT program. Our results point out the necessity to aply acontinuous HITT program, in order maintain the benefits detected, to post menopausal women with MS.

The effects of rosuvastatin on lipid-lowering, inflammatory, antioxidant and fibrinolytics blood biomarkers are influenced by Val16Ala superoxide dismutase manganese-dependent gene polymorphism.

Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug that also attenuates the inflammatory process and oxidative stress via the reduction of superoxide anion production. Superoxide anions are metabolized by manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD or SOD2) in the mitochondria. In humans, there is a gene polymorphism where a change of alanine (Ala) to valine (Val) occurs at the 16th amino acid (Ala16Val-SOD2). The VV genotype has been associated with the risk of developing several metabolic diseases, such as hypercholesterolemia. Thus, to further explore this phenomenon, this study investigated the influence of the Val16Ala-SOD2 polymorphism on the lipid profile and inflammatory and fibrinolytic biomarkers of 122 hypercholesterolemic patients undergoing the first pharmacological cholesterol-lowering therapy who were treated with 20 mg rosuvastatin for 120 days. The findings indicate that the VV patients who present a low-efficiency SOD2 enzyme exhibit an attenuated response to rosuvastatin compared with the A-allele patients. The effect of rosuvastatin on inflammatory and fibrinolytic biomarkers was also less intense in the VV patients. These results suggest some pharmacogenetic effects of Val16Ala-SOD2 in hypercholesterolemia treatment.

Protective effect of C. sativa leaf extract against UV mediated-DNA damage in a human keratinocyte cell line.

Toxic effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on skin include protein and lipid oxidation, and DNA damage. The latter is known to play a major role in photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. Many plant extracts and natural compounds are emerging as photoprotective agents. Castanea sativa leaf extract is able to scavenge several reactive species that have been associated to UV-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this work was to analyze the protective effect of C. sativa extract (ECS) at different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 µg/mL) against the UV mediated-DNA damage in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). For this purpose, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was used. Elucidation of the protective mechanism was undertaken regarding UV absorption, influence on (1)O2 mediated effects or NRF2 activation. ECS presented a concentration-dependent protective effect against UV-mediated DNA damage in HaCaT cells. The maximum protection afforded (66.4%) was achieved with the concentration of 0.1 µg/mL. This effect was found to be related to a direct antioxidant effect (involving (1)O2) rather than activation of the endogenous antioxidant response coordinated by NRF2. Electrochemical studies showed that the good antioxidant capacity of the ECS can be ascribed to the presence of a pool of different phenolic antioxidants. No genotoxic or phototoxic effects were observed after incubation of HaCaT cells with ECS (up to 0.1 µg/mL). Taken together these results reinforce the putative application of this plant extract in the prevention/minimization of UV deleterious effects on skin.

Características das carcaças e carne de tourinhos Nelore alimentados com níveis de concentrado e farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu / Carcass and meat characteristics of cattle fed concentrate levels and babassu mesocarp bran

Avaliaram-se as características da carcaça e da carne de tourinhos Nelore alimentados com diferentes níveis de concentrado e farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu na dieta. Foram utilizados 28 tourinhos da raça Nelore, com idade inicial de 21 meses e 356,66±19,25kg de peso corporal inicial, distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso em dietas com dois níveis de concentrado (65 e 71%), associadas ou não à inclusão de 35% de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu no concentrado. A elevação da fração concentrada na dieta de 65 para 71%, bem como a inclusão de 35% de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu no concentrado, não alterou a quantidade de músculo, gordura e osso da carcaça, com valores médios de 63,91; 19,46 e 16,63% do peso de carcaça fria, respectivamente. O rendimento dos cortes comerciais secundários do traseiro especial não foi alterado pela inclusão de 35% de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu no concentrado nem pelo teor de concentrado da dieta. A força ao cisalhamento das fibras musculares, a perda de líquido por descongelamento e cozimento não foram alteradas pelos fatores estudados, apresentando valores médios de 6,57kgf/cm3, 16,08% e 22,20%, respectivamente. O marmoreio aumentou (5,78 para 9,79 pontos) pelo avanço do nível de concentrado na dieta, mas não foi alterado pela inclusão do farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu. O farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu apresenta características nutricionais que possibilitam substituir parcialmente o milho em dietas com elevada proporção de concentrado, não alterando a composição física da carcaça e a qualidade da carne de tourinhos Nelore confinados.

Carcass characteristics and meat of young bulls fed different levels of concentrate and babassu mesocarp bran in the diet were evaluated. A total of 28 Nellore young bulls, initial age of 21 months and 356.66±19.25kg of initial body weight were randomized in diets containing two levels of concentrate (65% and 71) associated or not to the inclusion of 35% of babassu mesocarp bran in the concentrate. The elevation of the concentrate fraction of the diet from 65 to 71%, and the inclusion of 35% of babassu mesocarp bran in the concentrate did not alter the amount of muscle, fat and bone of the carcass, with average values of 63.91, 19.46 and 16.63% of cold carcass weight, respectively. The yields of retail cuts from the pistol cut were not altered by the concentrate level of the diet or by the inclusion of 35% babassu mesocarp bran in the concentrate. The shear force of muscle fibers and the losses of liquid during thawing and cooking were not altered by the factors studied, with average values of 6.57kgf/cm3, 16.06% and 22.20%, respectively. Marbling increased (5.78 to 9.79 points) to advance the level of concentrate in the diet, but was not altered by the inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran. Babassu mesocarp bran has nutritional characteristics that allow partial replacement of corn in diets with high concentrate, not changing physical carcass composition and meat quality of confined young Nellore bulls.

A new surgical technique to treat corneal perforations using amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive / Nova técnica cirúrgica para tratamento de perfuração de córnea utilizando membrana amniótica e adesivo cirúrgico

The objectives of this study were to compare surgical techniques and the effects of using n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate and bovine amniotic membrane to repair perforated lesions in corneas. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in sixty New Zealand White rabbits under general anesthesia. Group 1 (G1) was treated with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, group 2 (G2) received a fragment of amniotic membrane through the anterior chamber and application of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate over the lesion, group 3 (G3) was treated with the same technique as G2 with the addition of an amniotic membrane bandage covering the cornea and sutured in the limbus region, and group 4 (G4) was treated with an amniotic membrane sutured to the lesion and an amniotic membrane bandage sutured in the limbus region. Clinical, histological and histomorphometric examinations of the corneas were performed. The membrane acted as a barrier for aqueous humor in G2 and G3, thereby keeping the surface dry for adhesive application; it also prevented the adhesive from contacting intraocular structures. The groups treated with amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive showed better results than the groups treated with either material alone. Thus, the combination of the membrane with the adhesive is recommended for this type of lesion...

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar técnicas cirúrgicas e efeitos do n-butil 2-cianoacrilato e da membrana amniótica bovina na reparação de lesões perfuradas em córneas. Sessenta coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branca foram submetidos à ceratoplastia penetrante sob anestesia geral. O grupo 1 (G1) foi tratado com n-butil 2-cianoacrilato; o grupo 2 (G2) recebeu um fragmento de membrana amniótica pela câmara anterior e aplicação de n-butil 2-cianoacrilato sobre a lesão; o grupo 3 (G3) foi tratado com a mesma técnica aplicada ao G2, adicionando-se uma bandagem de membrana amniótica cobrindo a córnea e suturada à região do limbo; e o grupo 4 (G4) foi tratado com membrana amniótica suturada nas bordas da lesão e bandagem de membrana amniótica suturada na região do limbo. Foram realizados exames clínico, histológico e histomorfométrico. A membrana atuou como barreira contra o extravasamento do humor aquoso nos grupos 2 e 3, manteve a superfície seca para posterior aplicação do adesivo e impediu o contato do adesivo com as estruturas intraoculares. Os grupos tratados com o adesivo associado à membrana amniótica demonstraram melhores resultados do que aqueles tratados com cada material isoladamente. Assim, a combinação da membrana com o adesivo é indicada neste tipo de lesão...

Canine perineal hypospadias / Hipospadia perineal canina

Canine hypospadias is a rare condition that can occur in male and female dogs. Affected animals may present signs of urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, periurethral dermatitis or can remain asymptomatic. Periurethral hypospadias in a 14-week-old mongrel dog and its surgical repair are addressed.

Hipospadia canina é uma condição rara que pode ocorrer em cães machos e fêmeas. Animais afetados podem apresentar sinais de incontinência urinária, infecções recorrentes do trato urinário, dermatite periuretral ou podem permanecer assintomáticos. Hipospadia periuretral em cão de 14 semanas de idade, sem raça definida, e sua reparação cirúrgica são abordadas.

Increased expression of keratinase and other peptidases by Candida parapsilosis mutants.

Keratinases are enzymes of great importance involved in pathogenic processes of some fungi. They also have a widespread ecological role since they are responsible for the degradation and recycling of keratin. On the one hand, studying them furthers our knowledge of pathogenicity mechanisms, which has important implications for human health, and on the other hand, understanding their ecological role in keratin recycling has biotechnological potential. Here, a wild-type keratinolytic Candida parapsilosis strain isolated from a poultry farm was treated with ethyl methanesulfonate in order to generate mutants with increased keratinase activity. Mutants were then cultured on media with keratin extracted from chicken feathers as the sole source of nitrogen and carbon. Approximately 500 mutants were screened and compared with the described keratinolytic wild type. Three strains, H36, I7 and J5, showed enhanced keratinase activity. The wild-type strain produced 80 U/mL of keratinolytic activity, strain H36 produced 110 U/mL, strain I7, 130 U/mL, and strain J5, 140 U/mL. A 70% increase in enzyme activity was recorded for strain J5. Enzymatic activity was evaluated by zymograms with proteic substrates. A peptidase migrating at 100 kDa was detected with keratin, bovine serum albumin and casein. In addition, a peptidase with a molecular mass of 50 kDa was observed with casein in the wild-type strain and in mutants H36 and J5. Gelatinase activity was detected at 60 kDa. A single band of 35 kDa was found in wild-type C. parapsilosis and in mutants with hemoglobin substrate.

Increased expression of keratinase and other peptidases by Candida parapsilosis mutants

Keratinases are enzymes of great importance involved in pathogenic processes of some fungi. They also have a widespread ecological role since they are responsible for the degradation and recycling of keratin. On the one hand, studying them furthers our knowledge of pathogenicity mechanisms, which has important implications for human health, and on the other hand, understanding their ecological role in keratin recycling has biotechnological potential. Here, a wild-type keratinolytic Candida parapsilosis strain isolated from a poultry farm was treated with ethyl methanesulfonate in order to generate mutants with increased keratinase activity. Mutants were then cultured on media with keratin extracted from chicken feathers as the sole source of nitrogen and carbon. Approximately 500 mutants were screened and compared with the described keratinolytic wild type. Three strains, H36, I7 and J5, showed enhanced keratinase activity. The wild-type strain produced 80 U/mL of keratinolytic activity, strain H36 produced 110 U/mL, strain I7, 130 U/mL, and strain J5, 140 U/mL. A 70 percent increase in enzyme activity was recorded for strain J5. Enzymatic activity was evaluated by zymograms with proteic substrates. A peptidase migrating at 100 kDa was detected with keratin, bovine serum albumin and casein. In addition, a peptidase with a molecular mass of 50 kDa was observed with casein in the wild-type strain and in mutants H36 and J5. Gelatinase activity was detected at 60 kDa. A single band of 35 kDa was found in wild-type C. parapsilosis and in mutants with hemoglobin substrate.