Lead in Brazilian food: Exposure assessment and risk characterization.

A risk assessment was performed to estimate the lead (Pb) dietary intake in the Brazilian population. Data on Pb concentration in food were obtained through a systematic review with meta-analyses and from the GEMS/Food database, both involving data through 2018. Food consumption data were obtained from a Brazilian official dietary survey. Pb dietary intakes were estimated by a deterministic approach. Risk characterisation was conducted using the margin of exposure approach (MOE). The total Pb intake in the Brazilian population ranged from 1.53 to 2.01 µg/kg bw/day. Major contributors to Pb dietary exposure were the vegetable and vegetable products and beverage categories. From the results obtained, a risk of increased systolic pressure, nephrotoxicity and decrease of 0.5 point intelligence quotient can be expected, MOE<1, with greater magnitudes of risk observed for men in rural areas and in the Midwest, Southeast and South Brazilian regions. The dietary risk assessment indicates a health concern for the Brazilian population associated with Pb dietary intake.

Efeito de protocolo hormonal e programa de luz artificial na gestação de éguas receptoras de embrião durante o período de transição de primavera / Effect of hormonal protocol and artificial light program on the pregnancy of embryo recipient mares during spring transition period

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito das técnicas hormonais e de luz artificial nas éguas receptoras de embrião acíclicas avaliando as taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias durante a fase de transição de primavera. Os 48 animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos: controle (CONT, n=16), éguas cíclicas na fase ovulatória; luz artificial (LUZ, n=16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao tratamento de luz artificial; e hormônio (HORM, n= 16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao protocolo hormonal na fase de transição. As éguas do grupo LUZ foram estimuladas por 60 dias com luz artificial durante cinco horas por dia. Nos grupos CONT e LUZ, quando observada a presença de folículo ≥ 35 mm de diâmetro e edema uterino ≥ grau II, foram administrados 1,5 mg de acetato de deslorelina e 1500 UI de hCG para induzir a ovulação. As éguas do grupo HORM foram tratadas com três doses de 1,5 mg de benzoato de estradiol e seguiram os mesmos protocolos dos Grupos CONT e LUZ. Foi avaliada a taxa de gestação por ultrassonografia aos 14 dias e confirmação aos 28 em todos os grupos experimentais. Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste Qui-quadrado (significância de 5%). Taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre todos os grupos. Os tratamentos HORM e LUZ durante o período de transição inverno-primavera mostraram-se eficazes para atender ao programa de transferência de embrião. Por ser um método mais natural, o protocolo LUZ tem potencial como mais uma ferramenta biotecnológica na reprodução de equinos.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal and artificial light techniques on acyclic embryo recipient mares by assessing pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days during the spring transition period. The 48 animals were randomly assigned to the groups: control (CONT, n = 16), cyclic mares in the ovulatory phase; artificial light (LIGHT, n = 16), acyclic mares subjected to artificial light treatment; and hormone (HORM, n = 16), acyclic mares submitted to hormonal protocol in transition phase. In the LIGHT group, mares were stimulated with artificial light for five hours a day, for 60 days. In CONT and LIGHT groups, when a follicle ≥ 35 mm in diameter and uterine edema ≥ grade II were observed, 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate and 1500 IU hCG were administered to induce ovulation. In the HORM group, mares were treated with three doses of 1.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and followed the same protocols as the CONT and LIGHT groups. Pregnancy rate was assessed by ultrasound at 14 days and confirmation at 28 days in all experimental groups. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test (5% significance) were performed. Pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days were similar (p> 0.05) among all groups. The HORM and LIGHT treatments during the winter-spring transition period proved to be effective during the embryo transfer programs. As it is a more natural method, the LIGHT protocol has the potential to be one more biotechnological tool in equine reproduction.

Efeito de protocolo hormonal e programa de luz artificial na gestação de éguas receptoras de embrião durante o período de transição de primavera / Effect of hormonal protocol and artificial light program on the pregnancy of embryo recipient mares during spring transition period

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito das técnicas hormonais e de luz artificial nas éguas receptoras de embrião acíclicas avaliando as taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias durante a fase de transição de primavera. Os 48 animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos: controle (CONT, n=16), éguas cíclicas na fase ovulatória; luz artificial (LUZ, n=16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao tratamento de luz artificial; e hormônio (HORM, n= 16), éguas acíclicas submetidas ao protocolo hormonal na fase de transição. As éguas do grupo LUZ foram estimuladas por 60 dias com luz artificial durante cinco horas por dia. Nos grupos CONT e LUZ, quando observada a presença de folículo 35 mm de diâmetro e edema uterino grau II, foram administrados 1,5 mg de acetato de deslorelina e 1500 UI de hCG para induzir a ovulação. As éguas do grupo HORM foram tratadas com três doses de 1,5 mg de benzoato de estradiol e seguiram os mesmos protocolos dos Grupos CONT e LUZ. Foi avaliada a taxa de gestação por ultrassonografia aos 14 dias e confirmação aos 28 em todos os grupos experimentais. Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste Qui-quadrado (significância de 5%). Taxas de gestação aos 14 e 28 dias foram semelhantes (p>0,05) entre todos os grupos. Os tratamentos HORM e LUZ durante o período de transição inverno-primavera mostraram-se eficazes para atender ao programa de transferência de embr

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal and artificial light techniques on acyclic embryo recipient mares by assessing pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days during the spring transition period. The 48 animals were randomly assigned to the groups: control (CONT, n = 16), cyclic mares in the ovulatory phase; artificial light (LIGHT, n = 16), acyclic mares subjected to artificial light treatment; and hormone (HORM, n = 16), acyclic mares submitted to hormonal protocol in transition phase. In the LIGHT group, mares were stimulated with artificial light for five hours a day, for 60 days. In CONT and LIGHT groups, when a follicle ≥ 35 mm in diameter and uterine edema ≥ grade II were observed, 1.5 mg of deslorelin acetate and 1500 IU hCG were administered to induce ovulation. In the HORM group, mares were treated with three doses of 1.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and followed the same protocols as the CONT and LIGHT groups. Pregnancy rate was assessed by ultrasound at 14 days and confirmation at 28 days in all experimental groups. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test (5% significance) were performed. Pregnancy rates at 14 and 28 days were similar (p> 0.05) among all groups. The HORM and LIGHT treatments during the winter-spring transition period proved to be effective during the embryo transfer programs. As it is a more natural method, the LIGHT protocol has the potential to be one more biotechnological tool in equine reproduction.

Comparação de diluidores comerciais na motilidade, funcionalidade e integridade da membrana plasmática do espermatozoide bovino / Comparison of commercial diluents on motility, functionality and integrity of plasma membrane of bovine spermatozoa

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o efeito de três diluidores comerciais (Tryladil®, Botu-Bov® e OptiXcell®) na qualidade do espermatozoide bovino após o processo de criogenia. Para tal, foram utilizados oito touros da raça Nelore (2 ejaculados/touro). As amostras de sêmen fresco, diluído e pós-descongelamento foram avaliadas, comparando os parâmetros de motilidade total, vigor, funcionalidade da membrana (HOST) e integridade da membrana (eosina). Os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão. As variáveis foram submetidas às análises de ANOVA e Tukey ou teste de Friedman e Dunn's, dependendo da normalidade (p< 0,05). Os achados mostram que no momento da diluição não houve diferença (p˃0,005) entre os diluidores comerciais nos parâmetros avaliados (exceto integridade da membrana plasmática). No entanto, no momento do pós-descongelamento os espermatozoides criopreservados utilizando-se o diluidor Tryladil® apresentaram maiores valores (p˂0,005) referentes a integridade e funcionalidade da membrana plasmática comparado aos diluídos em Botu-Bov® e OptIXcell®. Os parâmetros relacionados a cinética espermática (motilidade e vigor) não se diferiram (p˃0,005) entre os diluidores comerciais utilizados. Em conclusão, no momento pós-descongelamento o diluidor Tryladil® apresentou os melhores resultados nos parâmetros de integridade e funcionalidade da membrana plasmática. Sendo assim, recomenda-se o diluidor Tryladil® para criopreservação de sêmen de bovinos da raça Nelore.

The main of the study was to compare the quality of frozen bull semen processed with three different commercially extenders (Tryladil®, Botu-Bov® and OptiXcell®). For this, eight Nelore bulls (two ejaculate per bull). Sperm samples were analyzed fresh, diluted and frozen-thawed. The parameters analyzed were total motility, sperm vigor, functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane (HOST) and plasma membrane integrity (eosin). Date were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The variables were subjected to ANOVA (Tukey test) or Friedman (Dunn's test) test according to normality (p< 0,05). The results indicate that there was no difference (p˃0,005) among all treatments in the parameters evaluated (except plasma membrane integrity) at dilution moment. However, Tryladil extender promoted an increase (p˂0,005) in functional and integrity of sperm plasma membrane compared with others extenders at the post-thawing analyze. After thawing, there was no difference (p˃0,005) among all treatments in the kinetic parameters. In conclusion, the Tryladil® extender promoted an increase in functional and integrity of frozen-thawed sperm plasma membrane. Therefore, the Tryladil® extender is recommended to be use as an extender for Nelore bull sperm cryopreservation.

AFAP-1L1-mediated actin filaments crosslinks hinder Trypanosoma cruzi cell invasion and intracellular multiplication.

Host actin cytoskeleton polymerization has been shown to play an important role during Trypanosoma cruzi internalization into mammalian cell. The structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in cells are regulated by a vast number of actin-binding proteins. Here we aimed to verify the impact of AFAP-1L1, during invasion and multiplication of T. cruzi. Knocking-down AFAP-1L1 increased parasite cell invasion and intracellular multiplication. Thus, we have shown that the integrity of the machinery formed by AFAP-1L1 in actin cytoskeleton polymerization is important to hinder parasite infection.

Leishmania spp. in Didelphis albiventris and Micoureus paraguayanus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) of Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is kept in nature by the participation of several animal species. This study evaluated the presence of Leishmania spp. in skin samples of free-ranging marsupials Micoureus paraguayanus (n=95) and Didelphis albiventris (n=191), captured in Morro do Diabo State Park and in sections of its surrounding forest, in the region of Pontal do Paranapanema, São Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were tested for the presence of kDNA of Leishmania spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by real time PCR (qPCR). All samples from D. albiventris tested by PCR were negative for the presence of kDNA of Leishmania spp. However, when tested by qPCR, the positivity was 1.6%. A positivity of 7.4% by PCR and 11.6% by qPCR was observed for M. paraguayanus. Sixty-four per cent (9/14) of positive animals were limited to the same forest fragment. Presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis was detected in M. paraguayanus samples. While D. albiventris is the most studied marsupial species due to its urban habits, other marsupial species such as M. paraguayanus can be potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. and should also be studied.

Ação do fungo Beauveria bassiana, isolado 986, sobre o ciclo biológico do cascudinho Alphitobius diaperinus em laboratório / Action of the fungus Beauveria bassiana, strain 986, over the biologic cycle of the Alphitobius diaperinus beetle in laboratory

O presente trabalho foi realizado para verificar a eficácia do fungo Beauveria bassiana em todas as etapas de desenvolvimento de Alphitobius diaperinus e assim saber em que fase ele é mais susceptível ao controle biológico. O fungo B. bassiana, isolado 986, foi testado em duas concentrações (3,4 X 10(6) e 3,4 X 10(8) conídios ml-1) mais um grupo controle. Foram realizadas duas leituras, uma sete e outra quatorze dias após a aplicação dos fungos. Na concentração 3,4 X 10(6), 54 por cento dos ovos tratados estavam inférteis, ocorrendo 54 por cento de mortalidade de larvas tratadas nos estádios I, II e III, 22,5 por cento nos estádios IV, V e VI, 9,5 por cento nos estádios VII e VIII e 24,5 por cento de mortalidade das pupas. Na concentração 3,4 X 10(8), 66,8 por cento dos ovos tratados estavam inviáveis, ocorrendo mortalidade de 56 por cento das larvas tratadas nos estádios I, II e III, 34 por cento nos estádios IV, V e VI, 24,5 por cento nos estádios VII e VIII e 49,5 por cento das pupas. Já no grupo controle, 13,3 por cento dos ovos estavam inviáveis, ocorrendo mortalidade de 10 por cento das larvas nos estádios I, II e III, 4 por cento nos estádios IV, V e VI e 0 por cento de mortalidade nos estádios VII, VIII e em pupas. Sobre o cascudinho adulto, o fungo não teve efeito nocivo em nenhum grupo analisado. Com base nesses resultados, observou-se que o fungo nas concentrações testadas apresentou efeito nocivo às fases do ciclo biológico do cascudinho, com exceção do inseto adulto.

The present research was carried out to verify the Beauveria bassiana fungus efficacy in all development phases of Alphitobius diaperinus and to know in which phase it is more susceptible for biologic control. The B. bassiana, 986-isolated fungus, was tested in two different concentrations (3.4 x 10(6) and 3.4 x 10(8) conidium ml-1) and a control group. Two readings were realized, one after 7 days of fungus application and the other after 14 days. At concentration of 3.4 x 10(6) conidium ml-1, 54 percent of treated eggs were infertile, with larva death of 54 percent at I, II and III phase, 22.5 percent at IV, V, and IV phase and 9.5 percent at VII and VIII phase. For pupa stage 24.5 percent of death was found. At concentration of 3.4 x 10(8) conidium ml-1, 66.8 percent of treated eggs were impracticable occurring treated larva death of 56 percent at I, II and III phase; 34 percent at IV, V and VI phase, 24.5 percent at VII and VIII phase and 49.5 percent at pupa phase. For control group, 13.3 percent of eggs were not viable with larva death of 10 percent at I, II and III phase, 4 percent at IV, V and VI phase and 0 percent at pupa, VII and VIII phase. About the adult lesser mealworms, the fungus did not present noxious effect at all analyzed group. In conclusion, these results showed that the fungus at tested concentrations presented noxious effect at all biologic cycle phases of lesser mealworms, except for the adult insect.