Da hospitalização para a prática corporal: análise qualitativa das vivências no projeto Respirar no Amazonas / From hospitalizaton to corporal practice: qualitative analysis of experiences in the projeto Respirar no Amazonas / Del hospitalización a la práctica corporal: análisis cualitativo de experiencias en el proyecto Respirar no Amazonas

A pandemia do coronavírus (covid-19) desencadeou uma avalanche de incessantes tentativas em busca por soluções para os diferentes desafios relacionados à saúde. Neste cenário, políticas públicas voltadas para auxiliar a população como o Projeto Respirar foram fundamentais para recuperar a funcionalidade cardiorrespiratória e física de pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar as experiências de um grupo de ex-pacientes, e agora usuários do Projeto Respirar, desde a alta hospitalar até a alta ao final do projeto. A coleta de dados incluiu a realização de dois Grupos Focais. Os usuários relataram sentir muitos medos e incertezas no início da pandemia, contudo, após o ingresso no Projeto Respirar, mudanças aconteceram nas suas percepções de saúde, em seus comportamentos e hábitos (AU).

The coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic has triggered an avalan-che of incessant attempts to find solutions to different health-related challenges. In this scenario, public policies aimed at helping the popula-tion, such as the Breathing Project, were essential to recover the cardio-respiratory and physical functionality of patients. The objective of this study was to present the experiences of a group of former patients, who are now users of Projeto Respirar from hospital discharge to discharge at the end of the project. Data collection included conducting two Focus Groups. Users reported feeling many fears and uncertainties at the be-ginning of the pandemic, however, after joining Projeto Respirar, chan-ges occurred in their health perceptions, behaviors and habits (AU)

La pandemia del coronavirus (covid-19) ha desencadenado una avalancha de intentos incesantes por encontrar soluciones a diferentes desafíos relacionados con la salud. En ese escenario, las políticas públicas dirigidas a ayudar a la población, como el Proyecto Respiración, fueron fundamentales para recuperar la funcionalidad cardiorrespirato-ria y física de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar las experiencias de un grupo de ex pacientes, que ahora son usuarios Projeto Respirar desde el alta hospitalaria hasta el alta al final del proyecto. La recopilación de datos incluyó la realización de dos Grupos Focales. Los usuarios reportaron sentir muchos miedos e incertidumbres al inicio de la pandemia, sin embargo, luego de unirse a Projeto Respirar, ocurrieron cambios en sus percepciones de salud, comportamientos y hábitos (AU).

Da hospitalização para a prática corporal: análise qualitativa das vivências no projeto Respirar no Amazonas / From hospitalizaton to corporal practice: qualitative analysis of experiences in the projeto Respirar no Amazonas / Del hospitalización a la práctica corporal: análisis cualitativo de experiencias en el proyecto Respirar no Amazonas

A pandemia do coronavírus (covid-19) desencadeou uma ava-lanche de incessantes tentativas em busca por soluções para os dife-rentes desafios relacionados à saúde. Neste cenário, políticas públicas voltadas para auxiliar a população como o Projeto Respirar foram fun-damentais para recuperar a funcionalidade cardiorrespiratória e física de pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar as experiências de um grupo de ex-pacientes, e agora usuários do Projeto Respirar, desde a alta hospitalar até a alta ao final do projeto. A coleta de dados incluiu a realização de dois Grupos Focais. Os usuários relataram sentir muitos medos e incertezas no início da pandemia, contudo, após o ingresso no Projeto Respirar, mudanças aconteceram nas suas percepções de saú-de, em seus comportamentos e hábitos.

The coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic has triggered an avalan-che of incessant attempts to find solutions to different health-related challenges. In this scenario, public policies aimed at helping the popula-tion, such as the Breathing Project, were essential to recover the cardio-respiratory and physical functionality of patients. The objective of this study was to present the experiences of a group of former patients, who are now users of Projeto Respirar from hospital discharge to discharge at the end of the project. Data collection included conducting two Focus Groups. Users reported feeling many fears and uncertainties at the be-ginning of the pandemic, however, after joining Projeto Respirar, chan-ges occurred in their health perceptions, behaviors and habits.

La pandemia del coronavirus (covid-19) ha desencadenado una avalancha de intentos incesantes por encontrar soluciones a dife-rentes desafíos relacionados con la salud. En ese escenario, las políticas públicas dirigidas a ayudar a la población, como el Proyecto Respiración, fueron fundamentales para recuperar la funcionalidad cardiorrespirato-ria y física de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar las experiencias de un grupo de ex pacientes, que ahora son usuarios del Projeto Respirar desde el alta hospitalaria hasta el alta al final del proyec-to. La recopilación de datos incluyó la realización de dos Grupos Focales. Los usuarios reportaron sentir muchos miedos e incertidumbres al inicio de la pandemia, sin embargo, luego de unirse a Projeto Respirar, ocurrie-ron cambios en sus percepciones de salud, comportamientos y hábitos.

Altered purinergic P2X7 and A2B receptors signaling limits macrophage-mediated host defense in schistosomiasis.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of co-infections during schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, with other parasites have been reported suggesting an impaired host immune defense. Macrophage purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role against intracellular pathogens. Therefore, we investigated the P2X7R-mediated phagocytosis and killing capacity of Leishmania amazonensis by macrophages during schistosomiasis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Swiss and C57BL/6 (Wild type) and P2X7R-/- were randomized in two groups: control (uninfected) and Schistosoma mansoni-infected. Alternatively, control Swiss and S. mansoni-infected mice were also infected with L. amazonensis. RESULTS: The pre-treatment of control macrophages with the P2X7R antagonist (A74003) or TGF-ß reduced the phagocytosis index, mimicking the phenotype of cells from S. mansoni-infected mice and P2X7R-/- mice. Apyrase also reduced the phagocytosis index in the control group corroborating the role of ATP to macrophage activation. Moreover, l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway was compromised during schistosomiasis, which could explain the reduced killing capacity in response to ATP in vitro and in vivo. We found an increased extracellular nucleotide (ATP, ADP and AMP) hydrolysis along with an increased frequency of F4/80+ CD39+ macrophages from the S. mansoni-infected group. Moreover, the content of adenosine in the cell supernatant was higher in the S. mansoni-infected group in relation to controls. Schistosomiasis also increased the expression of macrophage adenosine A2BR. In good accordance, both ADA and the selective A2BR antagonist restored the phagocytosis index of macrophages from S. mansoni-infected group. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the altered P2X7R and A2BR signaling limits the role of macrophages to host defense against L. amazonensis during schistosomiasis, potentially contributing to the pathophysiology and clinically relevant co-infections.

Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Sows Presenting Purulent Vulvar Discharge.

Purulent vulvar discharge is a clinical sign of genitourinary tract infections, which are a significant concern in swine facilities, leading to sow culling and mortality. Escherichia coli is one of the main agents involved in these diseases. This study aimed to characterize the virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles as well as the phylotype of Escherichia coli strains isolated from sows with purulent vulvar discharge. The results showed that at least 2 of the 29 tested virulence genes related to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli were present in all strains tested. The most frequent gene was iutA, present in all strains, followed by the genes iucD, csgA, iss2, and irp2. Associations between iron uptake genes, genes related to adhesion, attachment, and serum resistance, as well as genes related to toxin release and bacteriocin, were frequent. The most prevalent phylotype was B1 (40.0%), followed by A (18.5%), D (11.9%), C (9.6%), B2 (7.4%), E (4.4%), F (1.5%), and Clade I (0.7%), with B2 being related to highly virulent traits. The strains presented elevated resistance to antimicrobials such as ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, cephalexin, florfenicol, and ampicillin. More than 90% of the strains were identified as multidrug-resistant, indicating the selection that is induced by the high use of antimicrobials in swine farming.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Creep Feeding Effects on Piglet Pre- and Post-Weaning Performance.

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of providing piglets with creep feed during lactation on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. A total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Creep feeding in lactation improved pre-weaning piglet performance in 46% of the studies selected, while 58% of the included studies reported that creep feeding in lactation improved piglet performance during the nursery phase. Creep feeding increased the average piglet body weight (creep = 7.23 ± 0.30, no creep = 6.96 ± 0.31; p = 0.03) and litter weight (creep = 81.2 ± 4.18, no creep = 76.4 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) at weaning. The average piglet body weight and litter weight were positively associated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) with total creep feed intake. Creep feeding of piglets for more than 14 days increased (p = 0.003) the litter weight at weaning compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed. The present work strengthened the notion that creep feeding during lactation presents opportunities for improving weaning weights and post-weaning piglet performance compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed.

The importance of optimal body condition to maximise reproductive health and perinatal outcomes in pigs.

Overnutrition or undernutrition during all or part of the reproductive cycle predisposes sows to metabolic consequences and poor reproductive health which contributes to a decrease in sow longevity and an increase in perinatal mortality. This represents not only an economic problem for the pig industry but also results in poor animal welfare. To maximise profitability and increase sustainability in pig production, it is pivotal to provide researchers and practitioners with synthesised information about the repercussions of maternal obesity or malnutrition on reproductive health and perinatal outcomes, and to pinpoint currently available nutritional managements to keep sows' body condition in an optimal range. Thus, the present review summarises recent work on the consequences of maternal malnutrition and highlights new findings.

P2Y2-P2X7 receptors cross-talk in primed mesenteric endothelial cells upregulates NF-κB signaling favoring mononuclear cell adhesion in schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is an intravascular infectious disease that impacts over 200 million people globally. In its chronic stage, it leads to mesenteric inflammation with significant involvement of monocytes/macrophages. Endothelial cells lining the vessel lumens play a crucial role, and mount of evidence links this disease to a downregulation of endoprotective cell signaling favoring a primed and proinflammatory endothelial cell phenotype and therefore the loss of immunovascular homeostasis. One hallmark of infectious and inflammatory conditions is the release of nucleotides into the extracellular milieu, which, in turn, act as innate messengers, activating purinergic receptors and triggering cell-to-cell communication. ATP influences the progression of various diseases through P2X and P2Y purinergic receptor subtypes. Among these receptors, P2Y2 (P2Y2R) and P2X7 (P2X7R) receptors stand out, known for their roles in inflammation. However, their specific role in schistosomiasis has remained largely unexplored. Therefore, we hypothesized that endothelial P2Y2R and P2X7R could contribute to monocyte adhesion to mesenteric endothelial cells in schistosomiasis. Using a preclinical murine model of schistosomiasis associated with endothelial dysfunction and age-matched control mice, we showed that endothelial P2Y2R and P2X7R activation increased monocyte adhesion to cultured primary endothelial cells in both groups. However, a distinct upregulation of endothelial P2Y2R-driven canonical Ca2+ signaling was observed in the infected group, amplifying adhesion. In the control group, the coactivation of endothelial P2Y2R and P2X7R did not alter the maximal monocyte adhesion induced by each receptor individually. However, in the infected group, this coactivation induced a distinct upregulation of P2Y2R-P2X7R-driven canonical signaling, IL-1ß release, and VCAM-1 expression, with underlying mechanisms involving inflammasome and NF-κB signaling. Therefore, current data suggest that schistosomiasis alters endothelial cell P2Y2R/P2X7R signaling during inflammation. These discoveries advance our understanding of schistosomiasis. This intricate interplay, driven by PAMP-triggered endothelial P2Y2R/P2X7R cross-talk, emerges as a potential key player in the mesenteric inflammation during schistosomiasis.

Estrus Synchronization of Replacement Gilts Using Estradiol Cipionate and PGF2α and Its Effects on Reproductive Outcomes.

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of using estrogen-induced prolonged luteal function followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) treatment to synchronize estrus in gilts. On day12 of the estrus cycle (D0 = first day of standing estrus), 52 gilts were assigned at random to two experimental groups: non-treated gilts (CON, n = 22), serving as controls, and prolonged luteal function group (CYP, n = 30), receiving a single treatment with 10 mg of estradiol cypionate intramuscularly Starting on day 12, blood samples were collected for estradiol and progesterone assays. Estrus detection started on day 17. Gilts from the CON group were inseminated at the onset of natural estrus. On day 28 CYP gilts were treated with PGF2α to induce luteolysis and inseminated at the onset of estrus. Gilts were slaughtered 5 d after the last insemination. A single treatment with estradiol cypionate prolonged luteal function in 90% of treated gilts. The duration of the estrous cycle was longer (p < 0.0001) for CYP gilts compared to CON gilts. CYP gilts showed synchronized estrus 3.96 ± 0.19 d after induction of luteolysis. The conception rate was similar (p = 0.10) for CON and CYP gilts. No difference was observed in the embryo recovery rate (p = 0.18) and total number of embryos per female (p = 0.06). The percentage of unfertilized oocytes, fragmented embryos and viable embryos was similar among females from CON and CYP groups (p > 0.05). The treatment of gilts with a single application of 10 mg of estradiol cypionate on day 12 of the estrous cycle was effective in prolonging luteal function and treatment with PGF2α resulted in synchronized estrus. Additionally, the synchronization protocol had no deleterious effect on fertility and embryonic development.

Impact of cryopreservation protocols (one- and two-step) on boar semen quality at 5 °C and post-thawing.

The two-step protocol (2 S) is currently used for boar semen cryopreservation. In this method, the cryoprotectant penetrant agents (CPAs) are added at 5 °C to reduce the toxicity of CPAs. An alternative is the one-step protocol (1 S), which is easier, cheaper, and reduces the necessity of equipment, but could increase the toxicity of CPAs. Currently, there are no studies that compared both protocols for boar semen cryopreservation. This experiment aimed to study the effect of cryopreservation protocol (1 S vs 2 S) on boar spermatozoa. In the one-step protocol, after centrifugation, the spermatozoa pellet was resuspended at 17 °C in the extender containing CPAs to achieve a concentration of 1 × 109 spermatozoa/mL and then submitted to cryopreservation. For the two-step protocol, the sperm pellet was resuspended in fraction A at 17 °C to achieve a concentration of 1.5 × 109 spermatozoa/ mL, and then allowed to cool to 5º C before fraction B with CPA was added to the sample to achieve a final concentration of 1 × 109 spermatozoa/mL and followed by freezing. The cryopreservation protocol did not impact total motility at 5 °C (1 S: 78.5 % vs 2 S: 79 %, p > 0.05). After thawing, the two-step protocol improved (p < 0.05) total (1 S: 18.2 % vs 2 S: 29.5 %) and progressive motility (1 S: 9 % vs 2 S: 15%). Further, the 2 S protocol increased (p < 0.05) the percentage of rapid spermatozoa (1 S: 8.7 % vs 2 S: 14.6 %) and spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membrane (IAIP) (1 S: 40.5 % vs 2 S: 61.5 %), and increased (p < 0.05) live sperm cells with high mitochondrial potential (MHIP) (1 S: 42.9 % vs 2 S: 60 %). The boar semen cryopreservation method (TRT) did not (p > 0.05) alter membrane lipid disorder, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion. Thus, the best method for boar semen cryopreservation is the two-step protocol.

The blockage of downstream P2Y2 receptor signaling inhibits the prostate cancer cell adhesion to endothelial cells.

AIMS: Prostate cancer is the second most frequently malignancy in men worldwide. Most deaths are caused by metastasis, and tumor cell dissemination involves the interaction with endothelial cells. However, the endothelial cell signaling involved in such interaction is not entirely understood. The tumor microenvironment contains extracellular ATP, an endogenous agonist of the purinergic P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R). P2Y2R signaling changes endothelial cell phenotype, which may be relevant to cancer pathophysiology. Therefore, we hypothesized that P2Y2R activation could favor the metastatic prostate cancer cells adhesion to endothelial cells. MAIN METHODS: For adhesion assays, confluent endothelial cells EA.hy926 were treated with P2Y2R agonists before adding and imaging stained DU-145 cells. Alternatively, fluorescent probes and antibodies were used to determine intracellular endothelial Ca2+, nitric oxide (NO), and flow cytometry assays. KEY FINDINGS: Endothelial P2Y2R activation with ATP, UTP, or the selective agonist 2-thio-UTP increased DU-145 cell adhesion to EA.hy926 cells. This effect required endothelial cell Ca2+ mobilization and relied on the endothelial expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Conversely, inhibiting this proadhesive endothelial phenotype could impair DU-145 cell adhesion. To evaluate this, we chose atorvastatin based on its notable improvement of endothelial cell dysfunction. Atorvastatin blocked UTP-induced DU-145 cell adhesion to endothelial cell monolayer in a NO-dependent manner, unveiling a P2Y2R and NO signaling crosstalk. SIGNIFICANCE: Endothelial P2Y2R signaling contributes to the adhesion of metastatic prostate cancer cells suggesting that the downstream signaling blockade by statins could be a putative mechanism to reduce prostate cancer metastasis.

Altrenogest Supplementation during Early Pregnancy Improves Reproductive Outcome in Pigs.

Progesterone plays an important role in initial conceptus development and in a successful pregnancy, but results related to progesterone or its analogues (altrenogest) supplementation in early pregnancy of pigs are conflicting. The present study evaluated the effects of altrenogest supplementation in sows during days 6 and 12 of pregnancy on reproductive performance. On day 6 of pregnancy, 301 females were allocated at random to one of the following treatments: CON (Control: non-supplemented females, n = 163) or ALT (females daily supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from day 6 to 12 of pregnancy, n = 138). Ovulation was considered as occurred at 48 h after the first estrus detection to standardize the first day of pregnancy. The supplementation increased the number of total piglets born (ALT: 17.3 ± 0.4; CON: 16.6 ± 0.4), piglets born alive (ALT: 15.6 ± 0.4; CON: 14.8 ± 0.3), and placenta weight (ALT: 4.2 ± 0.1; CON: 3.8 ± 0.1) and decreased the stillbirth rate (ALT: 5.9 ± 0.6; CON: 7.6 ± 0.6) and the number of piglets born weighing less than 800 g (ALT: 6.6 ± 0.6; CON: 8.0 ± 0.6), without impairment on farrowing rate. These results demonstrated that altrenogest supplementation on swine females between days 6 and 12 of pregnancy may be used to improve reproductive performance.

Causes of Sow Mortality and Risks to Post-Mortem Findings in a Brazilian Intensive Swine Production System.

The present study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for post-mortem findings and causes of sow mortality. A post-mortem examination and microbiological investigation were conducted on 123 sows from a breeding herd with 15,000 dams. The mortality of spontaneous death in sows occurred mostly in the peripartum period (53%; p < 0.05). The spontaneous deaths were associated with heart failures, hemorrhagic and perforating gastric ulcers, and liver torsion, while in the euthanized sows, the post-mortem findings were associated with locomotor disorders. A higher body condition score (BCS ≥ 3.5) increased (p < 0.05) heart failure on the post-mortem examination. The excessive use of manual obstetric interventions increased sow deaths resulting from cervix/uterus ruptures and increased the odds of death (p < 0.05) due to metritis. Sow mortality had a multifactorial etiology. Infections were polymicrobial. The main microbial agents identified from a septic lesion in locomotor, genitourinary, and respiratory systems were Trueperella pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, respectively. In conclusion, sow mortality involved multiple risk factors and several bacterial agents. These results indicate that better management practices can reduce sow mortality in swine production and increase sow welfare.

Vaginal microbiota signatures in healthy and purulent vulvar discharge sows.

Purulent vulvar discharges, primarily caused by genito-urinary tract infections, are an important source of economic loss for swine producers due to sow culling and mortality. However, the agents that compose the vaginal microbiota of sows and their changes during infections are not well understood. The first goal of this study was to characterize and compare the vaginal bacterial content of healthy (HE, n = 40) and purulent vulvar discharge sows (VD, n = 270) by a culture-dependent method and MALDI-TOF MS identification. Secondly, we performed 16S rRNA targeted metagenomic approach (n = 72) to compare the vaginal microbiota between these groups. We found a wide variety of bacteria, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota being the most abundant phyla in both groups, as well as Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides at the genus level. Most agents identified in the sequencing method also grew in the culture-dependent method, showing the viability of these bacteria. Alpha diversity did not differ between HE and VD sows, regarding sample richness and diversity, but a beta-diversity index showed a different microbiota composition between these groups in two tested herds. ANCOM analysis revealed that Bacteroides pyogenes were more abundant in VD females and can be a marker for this group. Other agents also require attention, such as the Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staphylococcus hyicus found in remarkably greater relative abundance in VD sows. Network analysis revealed important positive correlations between some potentially pathogenic genera, such as between Escherichia-Shigella, Trueperella, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, and Prevotella, which did not occur in healthy sows. We conclude that the alteration of the vaginal microbiota between healthy and purulent vulvar discharge sows, although not extreme, could be due to the increase in the relative abundance of specific agents and to associations between potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Impact of El Niño on the dynamics of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a municipality in the western Amazon.

Vector-borne diseases are some of the leading public health problems in the tropics, and their association with climatic anomalies is well known. The current study aimed to evaluate the trend of American cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas-Brazil, and its relationship with climatic extremes (ENSO). The study was carried out using a series of secondary data from notifications on the occurrence of several American cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in the municipality of Manaus between 1990 and 2017 obtained through the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Data regarding temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation for this municipality were derived from the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) websites. Coherence and wavelet phase analysis was conducted to measure the degree of relationship of the occurrence of the cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results show that during La Niña events, an increase in American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases is anticipated after the increase in rainfall from November, resulting in a more significant number of cases in January, February, and March. It was observed that in the municipality of Manaus, the dynamics of ACL cases are directly influenced by ENSO events that affect environmental variables such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity. Therefore, climatic variations consequently change the ACL incidence dynamics, leading to subsequent increases or decreases in the incidence of ACL cases in the area.

Altrenogest during early pregnancy modulates uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial growth factor expression at the time implantation in pigs.

This study evaluated the effects of supplying altrenogest from day 6-12 of pregnancy on the endometrial glandular epithelium, corpora lutea (CL) morphology, and endometrial and CL gene expression. A total of 12 crossbred females (Landrace × Large White) were used. The females were assigned to 4 treatments according to a random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two categories (sow or gilt) and two treatments (non-treated and treated with altrenogest). On day 6 of pregnancy, animals were allocated to one of the following groups: non-treated (NT, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts), and (T, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts) treated daily with 20 mg of altrenogest, from day 6-12 of pregnancy. All animals were euthanized on day 13 of pregnancy. All CLs were individually weighed, and their volume were determined. The endometrial glandular density (GD), mean glandular area (MGA), and vascular density (VD) were determined by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Endometrium samples were collected and analyzed by qRT-PCR to evaluate the abundance of transcripts for VEGF and IGF-I. Females in the T group had higher MGA (P < 0.05) compared to the NT group. There was no effect of treatment on GD or VD for both experimental groups. Sows in the T group had augmented expression of IGF-I (P < 0.05). Progestagen had no detrimental effect on CL morphology. In conclusion, altrenogest improves the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period in pigs without compromising corpora lutea development.

Ocular Findings in Infants with Congenital Toxoplasmosis after a Toxoplasmosis Outbreak.

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in infants vertically exposed to Toxoplasma gondii infection during an outbreak in Santa Maria City, Brazil. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 187 infants were included. METHODS: The infants were recruited from January 2018 to November 2019. All mothers were screened for syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus before delivery. Toxoplasmosis infection was confirmed in all mothers and infants based on the presence of serum anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. All infants underwent an ophthalmologic examination; ocular abnormalities were documented using a wide-field digital imaging system. Neonatal cranial sonography or head computed tomography was performed in 181 infants, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was screened for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in 159 infants. Peripheral blood samples from 9 infants and their mothers were analyzed for the presence of T. gondii DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ocular abnormalities associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. RESULTS: A total of 187 infants were examined. Twenty-nine infants (15.5%) had congenital toxoplasmosis, of whom 19 (10.2%) had ocular abnormalities, including retinochoroiditis in 29 of 38 eyes (76.3%), optic nerve abnormalities in 5 eyes (13.2%), microphthalmia in 1 eye (2.6%), and cataract in 2 eyes (5.3%). Bilateral retinal choroidal lesions were found in 10 of 19 infants (52.6%). Nine eyes of 6 infants had active lesions, with retinal choroidal cellular infiltrates at the first examination. Thirteen (7.2%) of 181 infants screened presented with cerebral calcifications. Eighty-three percent of the screened infants were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and negative for IgM antibodies in the CSF. Congenital toxoplasmosis was higher in mothers infected during the third pregnancy trimester, and maternal treatment during pregnancy was not associated with a lower rate of congenital toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence rates of clinical manifestations were observed in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis after a waterborne toxoplasmosis outbreak, the largest yet described. Cerebral calcifications were higher in infants with ocular abnormalities, and maternal infection during the third pregnancy trimester was associated with a higher rate of congenital toxoplasmosis independent of maternal treatment.

Effects of uterotonics on farrowing traits and piglet vitality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Uterotonics are widely used in the pig industry but their effects have not been investigated critically. The objective was to evaluate the effects of oxytocin and carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, farrowing assistance, stillbirth rate, and piglet viability traits by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. The search for studies was performed during January 2020 using the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The literature search was conducted using the key words: oxytocin, pig, farrowing, stillbirth, piglet, dose, and carbetocin. Studies which evaluated the effects of oxytocin or carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, stillbirth rate, and farrowing assistance were included in the review. Of 1215 articles, 23 (1.9%) were selected for fulfilling the criteria for inclusion in the present study. A high variety of doses was observed among studies. Oxytocin increased (30%; P < 0.05) the stillborn proportion in the litters compared to control sows. Both oxytocin and carbetocin increased the need of farrowing assistance by 137% (P < 0.01) and 40% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to control. The use of oxytocin reduced the farrowing duration by 18% and the birth interval by 17%, while carbetocin reduced the same responses by 27 and 23%, respectively (P < 0.01). When used judiciously, uterotonics are a valuable tool to shorten farrowing duration of hyperprolific sows. However, the treatment is not exempt of deleterious effects for piglets and sows. Therefore, the criteria to use these drugs should be based on individual cases and not as part of hormonal protocols for all parturient sows.

Altrenogest during early pregnancy modulates uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial growth factor expression at the time implantation in pigs

This study evaluated the effects of supplying altrenogest from day 6-12 of pregnancy on the endometrial glandular epithelium, corpora lutea (CL) morphology, and endometrial and CL gene expression. A total of 12 crossbred females (Landrace × Large White) were used. The females were assigned to 4 treatments according to a random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two categories (sow or gilt) and two treatments (non-treated and treated with altrenogest). On day 6 of pregnancy, animals were allocated to one of the following groups: non-treated (NT, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts), and (T, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts) treated daily with 20 mg of altrenogest, from day 6-12 of pregnancy. All animals were euthanized on day 13 of pregnancy. All CLs were individually weighed, and their volume were determined. The endometrial glandular density (GD), mean glandular area (MGA), and vascular density (VD) were determined by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Endometrium samples were collected and analyzed by qRT-PCR to evaluate the abundance of transcripts for VEGF and IGF-I. Females in the T group had higher MGA (P < 0.05) compared to the NT group. There was no effect of treatment on GD or VD for both experimental groups. Sows in the T group had augmented expression of IGF-I (P < 0.05). Progestagen had no detrimental effect on CL morphology. In conclusion, altrenogest improves the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period in pigs without compromising corpora lutea development.(AU)

Vagococcus sp. a porcine pathogen: molecular and phenotypic characterization of strains isolated from diseased pigs in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Vagococcus spp. is known for its importance as a systemic and zoonotic bacterial pathogen even though it is not often reported in pigs. This is related to the pathogen misidentification due to the lack of usage of more discriminatory diagnostic techniques. Here we present the first report of Vagococcus lutrae in swine and the characterization of Vagococcus fluvialis and Vagococcus lutrae isolated from diseased animals. METHODOLOGY: Between 2012 and 2017, 11 strains with morphological characteristics similar to Streptococcus spp. were isolated from pigs presenting different clinical signs. Bacterial identification was performed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical profile. Strains were further genotyped by single-enzyme amplified fragment length polymorphism (SE-AFLP). Broth microdilution was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of the antimicrobials of veterinary interest. RESULTS: Ten strains were identified as V. fluvialis and one was identified as V. lutrae. The SE-AFLP analysis enabled the species differentiation with specific clustering of all V. fluvialis separately from the V. lutrae strain. Most strains presented growth in the maximum antibiotic concentration values tested for eight of the 10 analyzed antimicrobial classes. CONCLUSIONS: The observed resistance pattern can represent a problem for veterinary and producers in the treatment of diseases associated Vagococcus spp. in swine production. Vagococcus species may also be a risk for pig industry workers. The data described here will be of great value in further understanding the behavior of this pathogen in animal production.

The ideal holding time for boar semen is 24 h at 17 °C prior to short-cryopreservation protocols.

Boar semen cannot be immediately cryopreserved, it need be hold at 17 °C prior to cryopreservation, holding time has been used to improve cryopreserved boar semen, since holding time allows a prolonged interaction between spermatozoa and seminal plasma components. However, until now only few periods of holding time have been studied, and boar semen had been held at 17 °C for 24 h to facilitate its manufacture. Thus, this experiment aims to study the effect several holding time (0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 28 and 32 h) on boar spermatozoa post-thawed (PT) characteristics. Fifteen sperm-rich fractions of ejaculate were extended in Beltsville Thawing Solution and storage at 17 °C. After each holding time (0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 28 and 32 h), a sample was centrifuged, and sperm pellet was diluted in an extender composed of sugars, amino acids, buffers, 20% egg yolk (v/v), antibiotics, 2% glycerol as a cryoprotectant, and 2% methylformamide (v/v). Cryopreservation was performed with an automatic cryopreservation system. Cryopreserved boar semen was evaluated to spermatozoa kinetics, plasma and acrosomal membranes integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, detection of superoxide anion, plasma membrane fluidity, and peroxidation. Twenty-four hours of holding increase total and progressive motility, rapid spermatozoa, and integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes. To mitochondrial membrane potential, 32 h is needed. However, holding time was not able to control the superoxide anion amount neither membrane lipid peroxidation, and had no effects on membrane fluidity. Thus, to reach the best results of PT boar semen the ideal holding time is 24 h.