A proof-of-principle for decontamination of transplantation kidney through UV-C exposition of the perfusate solution.

Kidney transplantation is a common yet highly demanding medical procedure worldwide, enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease. Despite its prevalence, the procedure faces a shortage of available organs, partly due to contamination by microorganisms, leading to significant organ disposal. This study proposes utilizing photonic techniques associated with organ support machines to prevent patient contamination during kidney transplantation. We implemented a decontamination system using ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation on the preservation solution circulating through pigs' kidneys between harvest and implant. UV-C irradiation, alone or combined with ultrasound (US) and Ps80 detergent during ex-vivo swine organ perfusion in a Lifeport® Kidney Transporter machine, aimed to reduce microbiological load in both fluid and organ. Results show rapid fluid decontamination compared to microorganism release from the organ, with notable retention. By including Ps80 detergent at 0.5% during UV-C irradiation 3 log10 (CFU mL-1) of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria previously retained in the organ were successfully removed, indicating the technique's feasibility and effectiveness.

The Impact of Different Surface Treatments on Topography and Bond Strength of Resin Cement to Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on topography, surface roughness, surface energy, and microtensile bond strength stability of resin cement to lithium disilicate glass ceramic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventy disc-shaped specimens of IPS e.max Press were divided into seven groups according to the surface treatment: NT - non-treated (control); FSil - hydrofluoric acid (HF) + silane; FPSil - HF + phosphoric acid (HP) + silane; FUSil - HF + ultrasonic bath (U) + silane; FPUSil - HF + HP + U + silane; MEP - Monobond Etch and Prime (MEP); and MEPH - MEP + heating. Topography and surface roughness were evaluated using a 3D laser confocal microscope (3DLCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface energy with a goniometer. The microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and after thermocycling (5,000 cycles, 5°-55° C, 30-second dwell time). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (surface roughness and surface energy), two-way ANOVA (µTBS), Tukey's HSD post-hoc test, and Student t-test (α=0.05). RESULTS: FUSil, FPSil, and FSil presented similar and highest surface roughness, whereas NT, FPUSil, MEP, and MEPH showed similar, and lowest, roughness values (p<0.05). FPUSil, FPSil, FUSil, and FSil presented a similar and highest surface energy. NT, MEP, and MEPH showed similar and lowest surface energy. CONCLUSION: Only FSil, FPSil, and MEPH maintained bond strength stability after thermocycling, with FPSil leading to less bond strength reduction, suggesting this protocol is more reliable for bonding resin cements to lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Description of Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov., a new sand fly species of the Argentinian Chaco.

A new species of phlebotomine sand fly collected in the rural and peri-urban areas of wet and dry subregions of the Chaco Province, Argentina, is described. Illustrations of male and female adults are presented. Morphological characters allow the inclusion of the new species within the Evandromyia genus, Barrettomyia subgenus, Cortelezzii series (Diptera: Psychodidae). Furthermore, we present an identification key for the Cortelezzii series of the Barrettomyia subgenus with a new distinct species complex for its correct identification. The species was denominated as Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov.

Efficiency of an air circulation decontamination device for micro-organisms using ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND: The concern with environmental security to avoid contamination of individuals was intensified with the crisis established by SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the necessity to create systems and devices capable of clearing the air in an environment of micro-organisms more efficiently. The development of systems that allow the removal of micro-droplets mainly originating from breathing or talking from the air was the motivation of this study. AIM: This article describes a portable and easy-to-operate system that helps to eliminate the droplets or aerosols present in the environment by circulating air through an ultraviolet-C (UV-C) reactor. METHODS: An air circulation device was developed, and a proof-of-principle study was performed using the device against bacteria in simulated and natural environments. The microbiological analysis was carried out by the simple sedimentation technique. In order to compare the experimental results and the expected results for other micro-organisms, the reduction rate values for bacteria and viruses were calculated and compared with the experimental results based on technical parameters (clean air delivery rate (CADR) and air changes per hour (ACH)). FINDINGS: Results showed that the micro-organisms were eliminated with high efficiency by the air circulation decontamination device, with reductions of 99.9% in the proof-of-principle study, and 84-97% in the hospital environments study, contributing to reducing contamination of individuals in environments considered to present risk. CONCLUSION: This study resulted in a low-cost and relatively simple device, which was shown to be effective and safe, and could be replicated, especially in low-income countries, respecting the standards for air disinfection using UV-C technologies.

Photonic effects in natural nanostructures on Morpho cypris and Greta oto butterfly wings.

Photonic crystals are some of the more spectacular realizations that periodic arrays can change the behavior of electromagnetic waves. In nature, so-called structural colors appear in insects and even plants. Some species create beautiful color patterns as part of biological behavior such as reproduction or defense mechanisms as a form of biomimetics. The interaction between light and matter occurs at the surface, producing diffraction, interference and reflectance, and light transmission is possible under suitable conditions. In particular, there are two Colombian butterflies, Morpho cypris and Greta oto, that exhibit iridescence phenomena on their wings, and in this work, we relate these phenomena to the photonic effect. The experimental and theoretical approaches of the optical response visible region were studied to understand the underlying mechanism behind the light-matter interaction on the wings of these Colombian butterflies. Our results can guide the design of novel devices that use iridescence as angular filters or even for cosmetic purposes.

Evaluation of antitumor potential of cashew gum extracted from Anacardium occidentale Linn.

This study aims to determine the antitumor potential of cashew gum in vitro and in vivo. The cashew gum (CG) structure is similar to already showed in literature. The cytotoxicity effect of CG was performed by MTT assay, and B16-F10 melanoma model was used to evaluate antitumor effect. The tumor inhibition was calculated based on tumor weight. Hematological, histopathological, FTIR, oxidative stress and Western Blot analysis were performed to elucidate the mechanism of inhibition and toxic effects. As results, CG did not demonstrate cytotoxicity in vitro, however showed a significant tumor inhibition in vivo, with about 36.9 to 43% of reduction in tumor mass, with no toxicity to organs. Animals treated with CG did not show toxicity in normal tissues, FTIR spectrum and oxidative stress analysis of the tumor tissue indicated that CG cause tumor inhibition with the presence of apoptosis morphotype cells, without alterations in the levels of antioxidants components. In addition, it was observed that CG reduced the expression of γH2AX without changing the expression of caspase-3. With this, we can suggest that this polymer can assist in the anticancer activity and/or decrease the side effects of standard drugs used in treatment of cancer.

Maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions for neonatal calves: sodium acetate and osmolarity effects / Soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção para bezerros neonatos: efeitos do acetato de sódio e da osmolaridade

The use of hypotonic electrolytic solutions in enteral fluid therapy is still understudied in calves. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of maintenance enteral electrolytic solutions with different concentrations of sodium acetate and different osmolarities in calves. For this, 18 Holstein calves, six male and 12 female, 20 days old and weighing around 52kg, were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups and each group received one of the treatments. The three electrolytic solutions contained the same components in different concentrations, resulting in a hyposmotic, an isosmotic and a hyperosmotic solution. Each animal was maintained in enteral fluid therapy for 12 hours with infusion rate of 15mL kg-1 h-1. Abdominal circumference, body weight, feces consistency, glucose and plasma lactate, pH, pCO2, HCO- 3 and BE were measured at the following times: T0h, T6h, T12h and T24h. The hyposmotic solution did not generate the onset of diarrhea, while the isosmotic and the hyperosmotic did. Regardless of the dose used, acetate did not cause metabolic alkalosis in the evaluated animals. The results suggest that the use of hyposmotic solution in diarrheic calves, dehydrated and without metabolic acidosis, may be clinically important.(AU)

O uso de soluções eletrolíticas hipotônicas na hidratação enteral ainda é pouco estudado em bezerros. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção com diferentes concentrações de acetato de sódio e diferentes osmolaridades em bezerros. Para isso, foram utilizados 18 bezerros, seis machos e 12 fêmeas, holandeses, com 20 dias de nascidos e pesando por volta dos 52kg. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos e cada grupo recebeu um dos tratamentos. As três soluções eletrolíticas continham os mesmos componentes, mas em diferentes concentrações, resultando em uma solução hiposmótica, uma isosmótica e uma hiperosmótica. Cada animal foi mantido em hidratação enteral durante 12 horas com taxa de infusão de 15mL kg-1h-1. Foram aferidos perímetro abdominal, peso corporal, consistência das fezes, glicose e lactato plasmático, pH, pCO2, HCO- 3 e excesso de base nos seguintes tempos: T0h, T6h, T12h e T24h. A solução hiposmótica não gerou aparecimento de diarreia, enquanto a isosmótica e a hiperosmótica geraram. Independentemente da dose utilizada, o acetato não causou alcalose metabólica nos animais avaliados. Os resultados sugerem que o uso da solução hiposmótica em bezerros diarreicos, desidratados e sem acidose metabólica, pode ser clinicamente importante.(AU)

Hematological and biochemical profiles of Mangalarga Marchador mares in the transition period bred on pasture / Perfis hematológico e bioquímico de éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador no período de transição mantidas a pasto

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the transition period on hematological and biochemical constituents in Mangalarga Marchador mares. Forty-eight mares were used to form a maintenance group (MG) and transition group (TG), formed by pregnant mares and, after delivery, infants. Blood samples were collected at the following times: T-60 (60 d pre-delivery), T-30 (30 d pre-delivery), T-15 (15 d pre-delivery), T0 (first 6h post-delivery), T15 (15 d post-delivery), T30 (30 d post-delivery), and T60 (60 d post-delivery). The TG had lower values (P< 0.05) of red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin at T0, T15, T30 and T60 times than MG. The mean corpuscular volume was lower in MG (P< 0.05) than in TG (T0, T15, T30 and T60) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15, T30 and T60). On the other hand, the diameter distribution of red blood cells presented a lower value (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15 and T30). Mares in transition period presented regenerative anemia. The results demonstrate physiological metabolic variations of different intensities during pregnancy, delivery and early lactation.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do período de transição em constituintes hematológicos e bioquímicos em éguas Mangalarga Marchador. Foram utilizadas 48 éguas para formar um grupo de manutenção (GM) e um grupo de transição (GT), composto por éguas gestantes e, após o parto, lactentes. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos seguintes tempos: T-60 (60 dias pré-parto), T-30 (30 dias pré-parto), T-15 (15 dias pré-parto), T0 (seis primeiras horas pós-parto), T15 (15 dias pós-parto), T30 (30 dias pós-parto) e T60 (60 dias pós-parto). O GT apresentou valores menores (P<0,05) de hemácias, hematócrito e hemoglobina, nos tempos T0, T15, T30 e T60, do que o GM. O volume corpuscular médio foi menor no GM (P<0,05) do que no GT (T0, T15, T30, T60) e a concentração corpórea de hemoglobina corpórea foi maior (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15, T30, T60). Por outro lado, a distribuição do diâmetro dos eritrócitos apresentou um valor menor (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15 e T30). Éguas em período de transição apresentam anemia regenerativa. Os resultados demonstram variações metabólicas de diferentes intensidades durante a gestação, o parto e o início de lactação.(AU)

Prophylactic Use of Laser Light and Methylene Blue on Ischemia and Liver Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hepatic preconditioning with laser light in the presence of methylene blue (MB) in the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury process. METHOD: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 5). Saline (.5 mL) or MB (15 mg/kg) was injected intravenously (inferior vena cava). After 2 minutes, 660 nm laser light was applied at a dose of 112.5 DE. Fifteen minutes after the application of saline or MB, 1 hour partial ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion was applied when the rats were sacrificed. The mitochondrial function parameters (O2 consumption rates in states 3 and 4 and the respiratory control ratio), osmotic swelling, and determination of malondialdehyde were evaluated. Hepatic function was studied using the serum determination of the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: MB therapy alone showed the capacity of preserving the rate of oxygen consumption in the mitochondrial respiratory state of the group submitted to ischemia compared to the sham group. However, when combined with low-intensity laser therapy, it failed to replicate the relevant protective effects in relation to oxidative phosphorylation or the mitochondrial membrane ischemia/reperfusion injury. Whether or not MB was combined with laser treatment, it was shown to be efficient in reducing oxidative stress. In relation to alanine aminotransferase enzymes, whether or not laser treatment was combined with MB had a protective effect on the hepatic lesion, whereas in relation to aspartate aminotransferase enzymes only laser treatment was able to provide this protection.

Uso da somatotropina recombinante bovina em búfalas leiteiras II: metabolismos energético e mineral / Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy buffaloes II: energy and mineral metabolism

Avaliou-se a influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) sobre os metabolismos energético e mineral de búfalas entre 63e 154 dias em lactação. Foram utilizadas 22 búfalas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais: grupo rbST - aplicação de 500mg de rbST a cada 14 dias; grupo Controle - sem aplicação de rbST. A cada sete dias, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para a determinação do perfil bioquímico e mensuraram-se a produção de leite e o escore de condição corporal dos animais. As médias dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos rbST e Controle foram, respectivamente: produção de leite (PL): 6,44kg vs. 6,68kg; escore de condição corporal-ECC (1-5): 3,51 vs. 3,57; glicose: 70,58 vs. 64,81mg/dL (P = 0,0003); colesterol: 132,38 vs. 133,40mg/dL; triglicérides: 29,18 vs. 28,32mg/dL; proteína total: 8,57 vs. 8,75g/dL; albumina: 3,47 vs. 3,60g/dL; ureia: 32,46 vs. 33,86mg/dL; creatinina: 1,27 vs. 1,39mg/dL; cálcio:10,25 vs. 10,73mg/dL; fósforo:5,76 vs. 5,62mg/dL; e magnésio:3,70 vs. 3,70mg/dL. O uso de 500mg de rbSTinfluenciou o metabolismo da glicose, porém não modificou a PL, o ECC e os níveis dos demais parâmetros metabólicos estudados.(AU)

The aim was to evaluate the influence of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the energy and mineral metabolism of buffaloes between 63 - 154 days in milk. Twenty-two buffaloes distributed in two experimental groups were used: Group rbST (n= 11) - application of 500mg of rbST every 14 days; Control Group (n= 11) - no rbST. Every seven days, blood samples were taken to determine the biochemical profile, and milk production and body condition score were measured. The averages of the variables for rbST and Control groups were, respectively: milk yield (MY) - 6.44kg vs. 6.68kg; body condition score (BCS) - 3.51 vs 3.57 (1-5); glucose - 70.58 vs. 64.81mg/dL (P = 0.0003); cholesterol - 132.38 vs. 133.40mg/dL; triglycerides -29.18 vs. 28.32mg/dL; total protein - 8.57 vs. 8.75g/dL; albumin - 3.47 vs 3.60g/dL; urea - 32.46 vs 33.86mg/dL; creatinine - 1.27 vs 1.39mg/dL; calcium - 10.25 vs. 10.73mg/dL; phosphorus - 5.76 vs 5.62mg/dL; and magnesium - 3.70 vs 3.70mg/dL. Use of 500mg rbST influenced glucose metabolism, but did not modify the MY, BCS and the levels of the other metabolic parameters studied.(AU)

Produção de forragem e potencial de utilização do capim faixa-branca submetido a frequências de desfolhação / Production of forage potential of utilization of digit grass subjected to high defoliation frequencies

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem e o potencial de utilização do capim faixa-branca submetido a frequências de desfolhação. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro frequências de desfolhação: muito alta (25cm), alta (35cm), média (45cm) e baixa (55cm), avaliados em duas épocas do ano (maior e menor insolação), entre 2015 e 2016. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e medidas repetidas no tempo. A produção diária de folhas foi menor na frequência muito alta em relação às outras frequências. A redução das frequências de desfolhação aumentou a produção diária de colmo, senescência diária de folhas, produção total diária e acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e diminuiu o potencial de utilização da forragem. No período de maior insolação, a produção diária de colmos, o acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e o potencial de utilização de forragem foram maiores e a senescência diária de folhas foi menor. A frequência de desfolhação muito alta não proporcionou um bom desenvolvimento da planta, enquanto a frequência baixa apresentou elevada produção de colmos. As frequências de desfolhação alta e média são mais indicadas para a desfolhação do capim faixa-branca, promovendo uma melhor proporção de folhas em relação a colmos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of forage and the potential of utilization of digit grass subjected to four defoliation frequencies: very high (25cm), high (35cm), medium (45cm), and low (55cm), evaluated at two times of the year (higher and lower insolation), from January 2015 to January 2016. A randomized-block design with four replicates was adopted and measures repeated over time. The daily production of leaves was lower at the very high frequency in relation to the other frequencies. The reduction in defoliation frequency increased the daily production of stems, the daily leaf senescence, the total daily forage production, and the daily forage accumulation, and decreased the potential of forage utilization. At the time of higher insolation, the daily production of stems, the daily forage accumulation, the potential of utilization of forage were higher, and the daily leaf senescence was lower. The very high frequency of defoliation did not provide a good development of the plan, while the lower frequency displayed a high production of stems. The high and medium frequencies of defoliation are more indicated to the defoliation of digit grass, enabling a better proportion of leaves in relation to stems.(AU)

Hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs dehydrated by water restriction: Part 1 / Soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães desidratados por restrição hídrica: Parte 1

The present study assessed and compared the effects of hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs submitted to water restriction on packed cell volume; total serum protein and serum osmolarity concentrations; blood volume; plasma glucose and lactate levels; blood gas analysis, anion gap, and strong ion difference. Six adult dogs were used (four males and two females). All animals were submitted to both proposed treatments in a crossover design 6×2. The treatments were as follows: ESmalt consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g maltodextrin that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 215mOsm L−1) and ESdext consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g dextrose that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 243mOsm L−1). All solutions were administered at 15ml kg−1 h−1 for 4 hours. Both solutions increased the plasma volume in dehydrated dogs without causing adverse effects. However, ESmalt was more effective in promoting the increase in blood volume.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou e comparou os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas, administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães submetidos a restrição hídrica, sobre o hematócrito, proteínas totais séricas, osmolaridade sérica, volemia, glicose e lactato plasmáticos, hemogasometria, ânion gap e DIF. Foram utilizados seis cães adultos (quatro machos e duas fêmeas). Todos os animais foram submetidos aos dois tratamentos propostos, em um delineamento crossover 6×2. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: SEmalt - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de maltodextrina, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 215mOsm L -1 ); SEdext - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de dextrose, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 243mOsm L -1 ). Todas as soluções foram administradas no volume de 15mL kg -1 hora -1 , durante quatro horas, em fluxo contínuo. Ambas as soluções aumentaram o volume plasmático em cães desidratados, sem gerar o aparecimento de efeitos adversos. Porém, a SEmalt foi mais eficaz em promover a expansão da volemia.

Parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos de equinos em treinamento de três tambores: pós-condicionamento, pós-percurso e pós-descanso / Physiological and biochaemical parameters of horses in three-barrel training: post-warm-up, post-exercise and post-rest

Foram avaliados parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos em equinos Quarto de Milha durante treinamento de três tambores, antes do condicionamento (T0), após o condicionamento (T1), após um percurso (T2), após descanso do percurso, por 20 minutos (T3) e após descanso do percurso, por 40 minutos (T4). Os parâmetros físicos avaliados foram: frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e tempo de enchimento capilar (TEC); e os bioquímicos: sódio, potássio, cloreto, cálcio total, ureia, creatinina, osmolaridade, creatinaquinase, aspartato transaminase, proteínas totais (PT), glicose e lactato. A FC, a FR e a TR aumentaram após o percurso (T2), mas foram recompostas após 40 minutos de descanso. A concentração do lactato pouco aumentou após o condicionamento, mas altas concentrações ocorreram após o percurso (T2), e embora ele tenha diminuído após 20 (T3) e 40 minutos (T4) do percurso, ainda permaneceu acima dos limites normais. Nos demais parâmetros, não houve variações significativas. Concluiu-se que, ao final de um percurso de três tambores, o exercício sob máxima intensidade não ocasionou variações bioquímicas significativas nos equinos, exceto para o lactato, pois gerou uma hiperlactatemia que não foi restaurada até 40 minutos de descanso pós-percurso, mesmo com os parâmetros físicos já recompostos do esforço.(AU)

Physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in Quarter Horse during three-barrel training, in three times: T0 (before warm-up), T1 (after warm-up), T2 (after completing the exercise, performing only one course), T3 (after resting for 20 minutes of the course), and T4 (after resting for 40 minutes of the course). The parameters evaluated were: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and capillary filling time (ECT); Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium, BUN, creatinine, osmolarity, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase; Plasma concentrations of total protein (PT), glucose, and lactate. HR, RR and RT increased shortly after the course (T2) but were restored after 40 minutes of rest. Lactate concentration increased after conditioning, but at low concentrations, but high levels occurred after the course (T2), and although decreased after 20 (T3) and 40 minutes (T4) of the course, it was still above normal limits. There were no significant changes in the other parameters. At the end of a single course of three-barrel, the exercise of maximum intensity did not cause significant biochemical variations in horses, except for lactate, which increased to levels of hyperlactatemia, and was not restored until 40 minutes of rest, even with the physical parameters already recovered.(AU)

In vitro antitumor effect of a lignan isolated from Combretum fruticosum, trachelogenin, in HCT-116 human colon cancer cells.

The use of natural products in therapeutics has been growing over the years. Lignans are compounds with large pharmaceutical use, which has aroused interest in the search for new drugs to treat diseases. The present study evaluated the cytotoxicity of (-)-trachelogenin, a dibenzylbutyrolactone type lignan isolated from Combretum fruticosum, against several tumor and non-tumor cell lines using the MTT assay and its possible mechanism of action. (-)-Trachelogenin showed IC50 values ranging of 0.8-32.4µM in SF-295 and HL-60 cell lines, respectively and IC50 values >64µM in non-tumor cell lines. (-)-trachelogenin persistently induced autophagic cell death, with cytoplasmic vacuolization and formation of autophagosomes mediated by increasing LC3 activation and altering the expression levels of Beclin-1.

Uso da somatotropina recombinante bovina em búfalas leiteiras I: produção e composição físico-química do leite / Use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in dairy buffaloes I: production and physicochemical composition of milk

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) sobre a produção e os constituintes do leite de búfalas entre 63 e 154 dias em lactação. Foram utilizadas 22 búfalas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais: grupo rbST - aplicação de 500 mg de rbST a cada 14 dias; grupo controle - sem aplicação de rbST. A cada sete dias, foi aferida a produção de leite de todas as búfalas e coletada uma amostra para análise físico-química. As variáveis produtivas e as oriundas de análises laboratoriais foram avaliadas como medidas repetidas no tempo, utilizando-se o comando Repeated gerado pelo procedimento GLM do SAS. A média dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos rbST e controle foram, respectivamente: produção de leite - 6,54 vs. 6,68 kg; gordura - 6,31 vs. 6,34%; proteína 3,86 vs. 3,81%; lactose - 4,96 vs. 5,02%; sólidos totais - 16,05 vs. 16,03%; extrato seco desengordurado - 9,75 vs. 9,74%; contagem de células somáticas - 329,90 vs. 171,68 (x 1000/mL); e elecondutividade - 2,87 vs. 2,81mS/cm. A utilização de 500mg de rbST administrados quinzenalmente, entre 63 e 154 dias em lactação não alterou a produção de leite, a proporção dos constituintes e a CCS do leite de búfalas leiteiras.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on milk yield and the proportion of buffalo milk components during lactation. Twenty-two buffaloes randomly distributed in two experimental groups were used: Group rbST - application of 500mg rbST every 14 days, between 63 and 154 days in milk (DIM); Control Group - without treatment. Weekly, the milk yield of buffaloes was measured and a sample was collected for physicochemical analysis. The response variables were evaluated as repeated measures, using the Repeated procedure through the GLM procedure of SAS. Means of each variable after rbST and Control were: Milk yield - 6,54 vs. 6,68 kg; Fat - 6,31 vs. 6,34%; Protein - 3,86 vs. 3,81%; Lactose - 4,96 vs. 5,02%; Milk solids - 16,05 vs. 16,03%; Defatted dry matter - 9,75 vs. 9,74%; Somatic Cells Count - 329,90 vs. 171,68 (x 1000/mL); and electrical conductivity- 2,87 vs. 2,81mS/cm. The use of 500mg of rbST administered every two weeks, between 63 and 154 DIM did not affect milk yield, proportion of milk constituents and SCC of dairy buffaloes.(AU)

The influence of experimental conditions on the final result of photoinhibition of Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: By and large, phototherapies are a promising approach to promote inactivation of microorganisms using light exposure, providing an effective alternative to control multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Considering this, intercomparison between experiments is vitally important. Most experiments are performed using multiwell plates in which the volume of the culture medium is not standardized. In such cases, light attenuation and the distance it travels, which also depends on the volume and vessel geometry, can lead to different results. This study investigated how the different volumes imply different depths that light will have to travel through in this volume and the relation of this parameter with the result that will be obtained. METHODS: Staphylococcus aureus was exposed to 460nm light with 50, 100 and 200J/cm2, in 100, 200, 500 and 1000µL of inocula in a 24-well plate to investigate pure light inactivation. RESULTS: The literature suggests that fluence is the most important light parameter to obtain a high eradication of microbial cells in phototherapies. Our results show evidence that different geometrical configurations, taking into account the volume of the vessels, clearly affect the in vitro results, risking misinterpretation of dosimetry studies. Effects, such as dose distribution and decantation, are discussed throughout the paper. CONCLUSION: The outcome strongly depends on the volume and vessel geometry used. This study aims to encourage the standardization of phototherapies in vitro in general.

Occurrence and Probability Maps of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Brazil.

Leishmaniases are serious diseases caused by trypanosomatid protozoans of the genus Leishmania transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. We analyzed records pertaining to Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) and Lutzomyia cruzi (Mangabeira, 1938) in Brazil from the following sources: the collection of phlebotomine sand flies of the Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/Fiocruz (FIOCRUZ-COLFLEB), the "SpeciesLink" (CRIA) database, from systematic surveys of scientific articles and gray literature (dissertations, theses, and communications), and disease data obtained from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases/Ministry of Health (SINAN/MS). Environmental data and ecological niche modeling (ESMS) using the approach of MaxEnt algorithm produced maps of occurrence probability for both Lu. longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. Lutzomyia longipalpis was found in 229 Brazilian municipalities and Lu. cruzi in 27. The species were sympatric in 16 municipalities of the Central-West region of Brazil. Our results show that Lu. longipalpis is widely distributed and associated with the high number of cases of visceral leishmaniasis reported in Brazil.

Bloodmeal Identification in Field-Collected Sand Flies From Casa Branca, Brazil, Using the Cytochrome b PCR Method.

PCR-based identification of vertebrate host bloodmeals has been performed on several vectors species with success. In the present study, we used a previously published PCR protocol followed by DNA sequencing based on primers designed from multiple alignments of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene used to identify avian and mammalian hosts of various hematophagous vectors. The amplification of a fragment encoding a 359 bp sequence of the Cyt b gene yielded recognized amplification products in 192 female sand flies (53%), from a total of 362 females analyzed. In the study area of Casa Branca, Brazil, blood-engorged female sand flies such as Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), Migonemyia migonei (França, 1924), and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) were analyzed for bloodmeal sources. The PCR-based method identified human, dog, chicken, and domestic rat blood sources.

Photoperiod Differences in Sand Fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) Species Richness and Abundance in Caves in Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Caves are unique habitats that are inhabited by a diverse and singular biota. Among these inhabitants are sand flies, which are of great epidemiological interest in the Neotropical region because they are vectors of Leishmania The period of activity of these insects is usually crepuscular and nocturnal, but there are reports of diurnal activity of sand flies in caves. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the periodicity of daily activity of sand flies in cave environments in the municipality of Pains, Minas Gerais. Sand flies were collected with light traps, which were operated for 5 consecutive days in the rainy season and in the dry season. Samples were collected every 12 h and separated between photophase and scotophase periods. In total, 1,777 sand flies of 23 species were collected. The most abundant species was Lutzomyia renei (Martins, Falcão, and Silva) (44%), followed by Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva) (15%), Evandromyia edwardsi (Mangabeira) (11%), and Micropygomyia quinquefer (Costa Lima) (6%). The richness and abundance of total sand flies and the abundance of male and female sand flies in the aphotic zone of the caves did not differ between the photophase and scotophase, but differed between photoperiods at the entrance and at sites surrounding the caves. From our study of the daily activity of these insects in this ecotope, it will be possible to know which period of the day is of greatest risk of exposure of vertebrates who visit or live in these environments, including the human population.

Molecular Detection of Leishmania DNA in Wild-Caught Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From a Cave in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Leishmania spp. are distributed throughout the world, and different species are associated with varying degrees of disease severity. In Brazil, Leishmania transmission involves several species of phlebotomine sand flies that are closely associated with different parasites and reservoirs, and thereby giving rise to different transmission cycles. Infection occurs during the bloodmeals of sand flies obtained from a variety of wild and domestic animals, and sometimes from humans. The present study focused on detection of Leishmania DNA in phlebotomine sand flies from a cave in the state of Minas Gerais. Detection of Leishmania in female sand flies was performed with ITS1 PCR-RFLP (internal transcribed spacer 1) using HaeIII enzyme and genetic sequencing for SSUrRNA target. The survey of Leishmania DNA was carried out on 232 pools and the parasite DNA was detected in four: one pool of Lutzomyia cavernicola (Costa Lima, 1932), infected with Le. infantum (ITS1 PCR-RFLP), two pools of Evandromyia sallesi (Galvão & Coutinho, 1939), both infected with Leishmania braziliensis complex (SSUrRNA genetic sequencing analysis), and one pool of Sciopemyia sordellii (Shannon & Del Ponte, 1927), infected with subgenus Leishmania (SSUrRNA genetic sequencing analysis). The present study identified the species for Leishmania DNA detected in four pools of sand flies, all of which were captured inside the cave. These results represent the first molecular detection of Lu cavernicola with Le infantum DNA, Sc sordellii with subgenus Leishmania DNA, and Ev sallesi with Leishmania braziliensis complex DNA. The infection rate in females captured for this study was 0.17%.