Modulatory effect of vitamin B6 on sex hormone receptors, thyroid, and kisspeptin/kiss1r system in the uterus of pseudopregnant bitches.

This study evaluated whether the treatment of pseudopregnancy in bitches with vitamin B6 modulates uterine expression of receptors for progesterone (PR), oestrogen (ERα), androgen (AR), thyroid hormone (TRα) and the kisspeptin/Kiss1r system. Eighteen pseudopregnant bitches were treated for 20 days in groups receiving placebo (n = 6); cabergoline (5 µg/kg/day; n = 6); or vitamin B6 (50 mg/kg/day; n = 6). Blood was collected on the 1st day of drug administration and 120 h later to measure serum prolactin (PRL). After treatment, they were ovariohysterectomized and uterine fragments were collected for histomorphometry and immunohistochemical evaluation of PR, ERα, AR, TRα, Kiss1 and Kiss1r. After 120 h of cabergoline or vitamin B6 treatment, PRL levels were reduced in the bitches, confirming the antiprolactinemic effect of these drugs. Furthermore, regardless of treatment, the animals exhibited uterine histomorphometry consistent with dioestrus. The PR showed strong immunostaining in all regions and an increase in scores was observed for this receptor in animals treated with vitamin B6 in deep glands. In contrast, ERα and Kiss1R receptors showed weak to no immunostaining in all uterine regions and no changes between groups. Regarding AR, most animals treated with vitamin B6 showed increased trends in the deep gland and myometrium marking scores. In contrast, in both vitamin B6 and cabergoline treatments, a reduction in TRα marking scores was observed compared to the control group. In addition, on the endometrial surface, a reduction was observed in the marked area of Kiss1 after administration of cabergoline when compared to the pseudopregnant control group. These findings shed valuable insight into the use of vitamin B6 as a drug with actions similar to cabergoline in reducing PRL and uterine modulation in bitches.

Post-treatment with maropitant reduces oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuroinflammation on peripheral nerve injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effective dose and therapeutic potential of maropitant using through expression of mediators of oxidative stress, inflammatory and of the unfolded protein response (UPR) (bio) markers on spinal cord using a model of neuropathic pain induced through chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: 98 male Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were anesthetized with sevoflurane and after CCI, they were randomly assigned to the following groups that received: vehicle, 3, 6, 15, 30 e 50 mg/kg/24q of maropitant. The effect on inflammatory mediators (IL10, TNFα), oxidative stress (GPx, CAT, SOD), microglial (IBA-1) and neuronal (NeuN, TACR1) markers was evaluated though immunohistochemistry and expression levels of markers of hypoxia (HIF1α, Nrf2), antioxidant enzymes (Catalse, Sod1 and GPx1), and endoplasmic reticulum stress mediators (GRP78, CHOP and PERK) through qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal injection (IP) of maropitant inhibited nociception with ID50 values of 4,1 mg/kg (5,85-19,36) in a neuropathic pain model through CCI. A dose of 30 mg/kg/24q was significantly effective in reducing mechanical allodynia 1 to 4h after treatment with nociception inhibition (145,83%). A reduction in the expression of hypoxia factors (HIF1α, Nrf2) was observed, along with an increase in antioxidant activity (CAT, SOD and GPX). Additionally, there was a reduction in inflammatory markes (IL10, TNFα), microglial (IBA-1), and neuronal markers (NeuN, TACR1). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings demonstrate that the determined dose, administered daily for seven days, had an antinociceptive effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Kisspeptin treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats.

We evaluated whether the administration of kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) is capable of restoring gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats. Hypothyroidism was induced with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) for three months. In the last month, half of the hypothyroid animals were treated with Kp10. Hypothyroidism reduced testicular and sex gland mass, decreased the proliferation of the seminiferous epithelium, and compromised sperm morphology, motility, and vigor. A decrease in plasma LH and testosterone levels and an increase in prolactin secretion were observed in the hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism reduced Kiss1 and Kiss1r protein and gene expression and Star and Cyp11a1 mRNA levels in the testis. Furthermore, it reduced Lhb, Prl, and Drd2 and increased Tshb and Gnrhr expression in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism increased Pdyn and Kiss1r while reducing Gnrh1. Kp10 treatment in hypothyroid rats restored testicular and seminal vesicle morphology, improved sperm morphology and motility, reversed high prolactin levels, and increased LH and testosterone levels. In addition, Kp10 increased testicular expression of Kiss1, Kiss1r, Fshr, and Nr5a1 and pituitary Kiss1 expression. Our findings describe the inhibitory effects of hypothyroidism on the male gonadal axis and sperm quality and demonstrate that Kp10 treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function and sperm quality in hypothyroid rats.

"Star of Bethlehem sign" in the analysis of the evolution of brain lesions during and after treatment for neuroparacoccidioidomycosis.

Objective: To describe the clinical and radiological evolution of lesions during and after treatment in patients diagnosed with neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPCM). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of the medical records, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with NPCM treated between September 2013 and January 2022. Results: Of 36 cases of NPCM, eight were included in the study. One patient presented only with pachymeningeal and skull involvement, and seven presented with pseudotumors in the brain. Collectively, the eight patients presented with 52 lesions, of which 46 (88.5%) were supratentorial. There were 32 lesions with a diameter ≤ 1.2 cm, of which 27 (84.4%) disappeared during the treatment. In three cases, there were lesions > 1.2 cm that showed a characteristic pattern of evolution on MRI: an eccentric gadolinium contrast-enhanced nodule, with a subsequent decreased in the size and degree of contrast enhancement of the lesions. Conclusion: In NPCM, supratentorial lesions seem to predominate. Lesions ≤ 1.2 cm tend to disappear completely during treatment. Lesions > 1.2 cm tend to present with a similar pattern, designated the "Star of Bethlehem sign", throughout treatment.

Objetivo: Descrever a evolução clínica e radiológica das lesões durante e após o tratamento de pacientes diagnosticados com neuroparacoccidioidomicose (NPCM). Materiais e Métodos: Revisamos os prontuários médicos, estudos de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética (RM) de pacientes com NPCM de nossa instituição, no período de setembro de 2013 a janeiro de 2022. Resultados: Dos 36 casos de NPCM, oito foram incluídos no presente estudo. Um caso apresentava apenas envolvimento paquimeníngeo e ósseo craniano e sete casos apresentavam lesões encefálicas pseudotumorais, totalizando 52 lesões, sendo 46 (88,5%) supratentoriais. Dentre 32 lesões com diâmetro ≤ 1,2 cm, 27 (84,4%) apresentaram resolução completa durante o tratamento. Três casos apresentaram padrão semelhante de evolução da lesão na RM em lesões > 1,2 cm, caracterizado pelo aparecimento de nódulo excêntrico com impregnação pelo gadolínio, seguido de redução das dimensões e do realce nodular pelo contraste nos estudos subsequentes. Conclusão: A NPCM apresenta-se predominantemente com lesões supratentoriais. Lesões ≤ 1,2 cm tendem a desaparecer completamente durante o tratamento. Lesões > 1,2 cm tendem a apresentar um padrão de imagem de RM característico ao longo do tratamento, descrito como o "sinal da Estrela de Belém".

Kisspeptin Suppresses Inflammasome-NLRP3 Activation and Pyroptosis Caused by Hypothyroidism at the Maternal-Fetal Interface of Rats.

Gestational diseases such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes cause inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in the placenta and changes in placental kisspeptin levels. Although maternal hypothyroidism also reduces the kisspeptin/Kiss1R system at the maternal-fetal interface, there is still no information on whether this dysfunction causes inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in the placenta or influences the modulatory role of kisspeptin in these processes. This study aimed to evaluate whether hypothyroidism activates the inflammasome-NLRP3 pathway and pyroptosis at the maternal-fetal interface of rats and whether kisspeptin can modulate these processes. Hypothyroidism was induced in Wistar rats by the administration of propylthiouracil. Kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) treatment began on the 8th day of gestation (DG). Gene and/or protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase 1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and Gasdermin D (Gsmd) were evaluated in the deciduae and placentae at the 18th DG. Hypothyroidism increased the decidual and placental stainings of NLRP3, IL-1ß, and Gasdermin D, and increased the gene expressions of Nlrp3, Ilß, and Il18 in the placenta and of Gsmd in the decidua. Treatment with Kp10 suppressed the increase in NLRP3/Nlrp3, IL-1ß, Il18, and Gasdermin D/Gsmd caused by hypothyroidism at the maternal-fetal interface. However, Kp10 increased the placental gene expressions of Casp1 and Il1ß. The findings demonstrated that maternal hypothyroidism activated the inflammasome-NLRP3 pathway and pyroptosis at the maternal-fetal interface of rats and that treatment with Kp10 was able to block these processes, thus suggesting that kisspeptin analogues may be promising in the treatment of gestational diseases that involve inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

New species and new distributional records of the hygropetric water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from the Guiana Shield.

The species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp are reviewed for the Guiana Shield region of South America. Seven species are recorded, including one here described as new: Oocyclus paraiso sp. n. from the Brazilian state of Pará. New records of previously described species are also reported for Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. The aedeagus of O. coromoto Short & García is illustrated for the first time. As with all other known members of the genus, all Guiana Shield species are hygropetric habitat specialists. A key to the Oocyclus of the Guiana Shield is provided.

Neuromuscular disorders in women and men with spinal cord injury are associated with changes in muscle and tendon architecture.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the association between neuromuscular function, motor function impairment, and muscle and tendon structures in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to a control (non-disabled) population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with a control group. SETTING: Center of Adapted Sports Training and Special Physical Education. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen individuals with SCI and motor function impairments participated in the study. A paired non-disabled group was recruited for comparison. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle (biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior) and tendon (quadriceps and patellar tendons) structures were assessed by ultrasound imaging (thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and echogenicity). Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders were also assessed using electrodiagnosis techniques (stimulus non-responsivity and chronaxie) in the same muscles. RESULTS: Except for the biceps brachii muscle, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length were lower (p < 0.01) while echogenicity and chronaxie were greater (p < 0.01) in SCI participants. The SCI participants had a higher prevalence of neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders for all muscles, except the biceps brachii. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular disorders occur in association with muscle and tendon maladaptation in individuals with chronic SCI. A higher prevalence of electrophysiological disorders suggests an acquired polyneuromyopathy for muscles with motor function impairment even though the muscle was innerved, in addition to widespread muscle atrophy.

Pulmonary function and exercise capacity six months after hospital discharge of patients with severe COVID-19

ABSTRACT Introduction: The long-term consequences of COVID-19, especially pulmonary impairment, are frequent but not well understood. The knowledge about sequels or long COVID-19 are necessary, considering the high prevalence and need for specific public strategies. Method: The study was conducted to evaluate symptoms (standardized questionnaire), pulmonary function (spirometry), and exercise capacity (6-minute-walk-test) at 30 (D30), 90 (D90), and 180 (D180) days after hospital discharge of patients surviving to severe COVID-19. We excluded in this follow up patients with comorbidities before COVID infection. Results: 44 patients were included and 31 (26 men) completed the 6-month follow-up (age mean 53.6 ± 9.6 years). At D180, 28% presented still at least one symptom. The most common was dyspnea (17.2%), followed by cough (13.8%), and myalgia (10.3%). All spirometric parameters showed progressive improvement from D30 to D180. However, 16% maintained a restrictive pattern on spirometry test, 44% presented desaturation on the 6-minute walk-test, and 25% walked < 75% of the predicted value. Conclusion: 6-months after hospital discharge, reduced pulmonary function and reduced exercise capacity was founded frequently and more than a quarter remained symptomatic. The persistent symptoms and functional impairment suggest that sequels and development of Long COVID-19 are very common. The identification of these patients to provide the necessary health care is a challenging task, considering the large number of patients infected and surviving to COVID-19 disease.

"Star of Bethlehem sign" in the analysis of the evolution of brain lesions during and after treatment for neuroparacoccidioidomycosis / "Sinal da Estrela de Belém" na análise evolutiva das lesões durante e após o tratamento em pacientes com neuroparacoccidioidomicose

Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical and radiological evolution of lesions during and after treatment in patients diagnosed with neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPCM). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of the medical records, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with NPCM treated between September 2013 and January 2022. Results: Of 36 cases of NPCM, eight were included in the study. One patient presented only with pachymeningeal and skull involvement, and seven presented with pseudotumors in the brain. Collectively, the eight patients presented with 52 lesions, of which 46 (88.5%) were supratentorial. There were 32 lesions with a diameter ≤ 1.2 cm, of which 27 (84.4%) disappeared during the treatment. In three cases, there were lesions > 1.2 cm that showed a characteristic pattern of evolution on MRI: an eccentric gadolinium contrast-enhanced nodule, with a subsequent decreased in the size and degree of contrast enhancement of the lesions. Conclusion: In NPCM, supratentorial lesions seem to predominate. Lesions ≤ 1.2 cm tend to disappear completely during treatment. Lesions > 1.2 cm tend to present with a similar pattern, designated the "Star of Bethlehem sign", throughout treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a evolução clínica e radiológica das lesões durante e após o tratamento de pacientes diagnosticados com neuroparacoccidioidomicose (NPCM). Materiais e Métodos: Revisamos os prontuários médicos, estudos de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética (RM) de pacientes com NPCM de nossa instituição, no período de setembro de 2013 a janeiro de 2022. Resultados: Dos 36 casos de NPCM, oito foram incluídos no presente estudo. Um caso apresentava apenas envolvimento paquimeníngeo e ósseo craniano e sete casos apresentavam lesões encefálicas pseudotumorais, totalizando 52 lesões, sendo 46 (88,5%) supratentoriais. Dentre 32 lesões com diâmetro ≤ 1,2 cm, 27 (84,4%) apresentaram resolução completa durante o tratamento. Três casos apresentaram padrão semelhante de evolução da lesão na RM em lesões > 1,2 cm, caracterizado pelo aparecimento de nódulo excêntrico com impregnação pelo gadolínio, seguido de redução das dimensões e do realce nodular pelo contraste nos estudos subsequentes. Conclusão: A NPCM apresenta-se predominantemente com lesões supratentoriais. Lesões ≤ 1,2 cm tendem a desaparecer completamente durante o tratamento. Lesões > 1,2 cm tendem a apresentar um padrão de imagem de RM característico ao longo do tratamento, descrito como o "sinal da Estrela de Belém".

Gestão e Assistência Integral à Saúde da Mulher: Experiências de um Grupo Tutorial do PET-Saúde / Management and Comprehensive Assistance to Women's Health: Experiences of a Tutorial Group from PET-Saúde / Gestión y AtenciónIntegral a la Salud de la Mujer: Experiencias de un Grupo Tutorial de PET-Saúde

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência dos bolsistas do Grupo PET-Saúde, Gestão da Atenção Básica e Saúde da Família, acerca da gestão da atenção básica e educação interprofissional com foco na assistência integral à saúde da mulher. Método:Trata-se de um relato de experiência, de caráter descritivo, acerca das vivências de bolsistas PET-Saúde, Gestão da Atenção Básica e Saúde da Família, vinculados a Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana e a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Feira de Santana, Bahia, entre agosto de 2022 a julho de 2023. As atividades de formação e extensão realizadas foram organizadas em duas etapas interconectadas: 1) Promoção da Integração ensino-serviço-comunidade e 2) Estabelecimento de estratégias de divulgação científica e inovação para atuação em saúde. Resultados: Foram realizadas atividades e produzidos materiais com foco na atenção integral à saúde da mulher. Conclusão:O programa Pet-Saúde é destaque na qualificação dos estudantes pois proporciona experiências na área da saúde, desenvolvimento de novas habilidades e expansão do conhecimento, contribuindo para a saúde pública.

Objective: to report the experience of the PET-Saúde Scholars, Management of Primary Care and Family Health Group, regarding the management of primary care and interprofessional education with a focus on comprehensive women's health care. Method:This is an experiential report, of a descriptive nature, about the experiences of PET-Saúde Scholars, Management of Primary Care and Family Health, affiliated with the State University of Feira de Santana and the Municipal Health Department of Feira de Santana, Bahia, from August 2022 to July 2023. The training and extension activities carried out were organized into two interconnected stages: 1) Promotion of integration of teaching-service-community and 2) Establishment of strategies for scientific dissemination and innovationin health practice. Results:Activities were conducted and materials were produced focusing on comprehensive women's health care. Conclusion: The PET-Saúde program stands out in the students' development as it provides experiences in the healthcare field,the development of new skills, and the expansion of knowledge, contributing to public health.

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia de los becarios del Grupo PET-Saúde, Gestión de la Atención Primaria y Salud Familiar, en relación con la gestión de la atención primaria y la educación interprofesional con enfoque en la atención integral de la salud de la mujer.Método: Se trata de un informe de experiencia, de carácter descriptivo, sobre las vivencias de los becarios del PET-Saúde, Gestión de la Atención Primaria y Salud Familiar, afiliados a la Universidad Estatal de Feira de Santana y a la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Feira de Santana, Bahía, desde agosto de 2022 hasta julio de 2023. Las actividades de formación y extensión realizadas se organizaron en dos etapas interconectadas: 1) Promoción de la integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad. 2) Establecimiento de estrategias de divulgación científica e innovación para la actuación en salud. Resultados:Se llevaron a cabo actividades y se produjeron materiales con enfoque en la atención integral de la salud de la mujer. Conclusión: El programa PET-Saúde se destaca en el desarrollo de los estudiantes, ya que proporciona experiencias en el área de la salud, el desarrollo de nuevas habilidades y la expansión del conocimiento, contribuyendo a la salud pública.

Physical Exercise Affects Quality of Life and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Failure Submitted to Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Performing physical exercise during hemodialysis has been debated regarding safety and efficacy for improving life quality for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, we explored the influence of physical exercise during hemodialysis on both autonomic modulation of heart rate and quality of life for patients with CKF in a randomized clinical trial. We randomly allocated participants requiring hemodialysis to an experimental exercise group (EG) and a control no-exercise group (CG) and assessed their quality of life with the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-KDQOL-SF™ 1.3 and with Polar RS800CX to monitor their heart rate variability (HRV) before and three months after the end of the exercise intervention. EG participants reported a significant increase in their quality of life (p = .05, physical function, physical aspects, pain, emotional well-being, emotional function; p = .03, energy and fatigue) and showed HRV improvement (p = .05, RMSSD, SDNN, and SD2; p = .004, SD1) after three months of exercise. Thus, we recommend supervised physical exercise during hemodialysis for carefully selected patients.

Expression profile of the Kisspeptin/Kiss1r system and angiogenic and immunological mediators in the ovary of cyclic and pregnant cats.

The Kisspeptin/Kiss1r system has been studied in mammalian ovaries. However, there are still no studies on the modulation of this system and its relationship with angiogenic and immunological mediators in the ovary of domestic cats, especially during pregnancy. We evaluated the expression of Kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immunological mediators during folliculogenesis, luteogenesis and luteal regression of cyclic and pregnant cats. The ovary exhibited moderate to intense expression for Kiss1, VEGF, Flk-1, INFγ and MIF in oocytes and the follicular wall, while Kiss1r expression was low in granulosa cells. In these cells, there was also a greater expression of Kiss1, INFγ and MIF, mainly in secondary follicles, while tertiary and preovulatory follicles exhibited greater expression of VEGF and Flk-1 in this layer. In luteogenesis, Kiss1 immunostaining was higher in mature corpora lutea (MCL) of pregnant cats compared to vacuolated CL (VCL) and corpus albicans (CA). Pregnancy also increased the luteal gene expression of Kiss1 as well as Kiss1, Kiss1r, Flk-1, and MIF immunostaining in MCL, while reduced the area of VEGF expression in VCL and luteal mRNA expression of Mif when compared to non-pregnant animals. In addition, positive gene correlation between Kiss1r and Mif was observed in the CL. Kiss1, Kiss1r, Vegf and Mif expression were lower in the CA of cats in anestrus. These findings reveal that the expression of Kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immunological mediators, in the ovary of domestic cats, depend on the follicular and luteal stage, and the luteal expression of these mediators is influenced by pregnancy.

Canine pyometra: interferences of age and type in blood count and serum biochemistry / Piometra canina: interferências da idade e tipo sobre o hemograma e a bioquímica sérica

Hematological and serum biochemical characteristics and prevalence of microorganisms in the uterine content of bitches with pyometra were described, according to type and age. This study was carried out at the Veterinary Medicine Hospital Renato Rodenburg de Medeiros Netto of the UFBA with 132 patients diagnosed with pyometra through imaging and laboratory tests, divided into two groups: Group 1 - less than eight years (n=72) and Group 2 - more than eight years (n=60). Both groups were submitted to Ovariohysterectomy (OH), in which blood and uterine lumen secretion samples were collected. The highest incidence of pyometra was found in bitches under 8 years (54.5%), Poodle breed (31.8%) and mixed-breed (27.3%). Open pyometra represented 80.3% of all cases. The death rate (6.0%) did not show significant difference between the types. Anemia (73.0%), thrombocytopenia (41.2%) and leukocytosis (77.0%) were observed. Urea and ALP were above the reference values in 41.8% and 52.2% of each group, respectively, while ALT (94.0%) and creatine (82%) remained normal in most animals. Serum biochemistry did not show significant differences (P<0.05). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. grew in 33.3% and 16.7% of the samples, respectively. Therefore, no significant hematological and serum biochemical differences were observed in bitches with pyometra in both age categories.

Descreveu-se características hematológicas, bioquímicas séricas e prevalência de microrganismos no conteúdo uterino de cadelas com piometra, de acordo com o tipo e idade. Realizou-se este estudo no Hospital de Medicina Veterinária Renato Rodenburg de Medeiros Netto da UFBA com 132 pacientes diagnosticadas com piometra, por exames de imagem e laboratoriais, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 ­ menos de oito anos (n=72) e Grupo 2 ­ mais de oito anos (n=60), submetidas a Ovariectomia (OH), quando se coletou amostras de sangue e secreção do lúmen uterino. A incidência maior deu-se em cadelas abaixo de 8 anos (54,5%), da raça Poodle (31,8%) e sem raça definida (SRD) (27,3%), sendo 80,3% de piometra aberta. A taxa de óbito (6,0%) não apresentou diferença significativa entre os tipos. Observou-se a ocorrência de anemia (73,0%), trombocitopenia (41,2%) e leucocitose (77,0%). Os valores de ureia e FA estiveram acima dos valores de referência em 41,8% e 52,2% das cadelas respectivamente, enquanto a ALT (94,0%) e a creatina (82%) mantiveram-se dentro dos valores de referência na maioria dos animais. A bioquímica sérica não apresentou diferenças significativas (P<0,05). Observou-se crescimento de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. em 33,3% e 16,7% das amostras, respectivamente. Sendo assim, não se observou diferenças significativas hematológicas e na bioquímica sérica de cadelas com piometra nas categorias de idade.

Canine pyometra: interferences of age and type in blood count and serum biochemistry / Piometra canina: interferências da idade e tipo sobre o hemograma e a bioquímica sérica

Hematological and serum biochemical characteristics and prevalence of microorganisms in the uterine content of bitches with pyometra were described, according to type and age. This study was carried out at the Veterinary Medicine Hospital Renato Rodenburg de Medeiros Netto of the UFBA with 132 patients diagnosed with pyometra through imaging and laboratory tests, divided into two groups: Group 1 - less than eight years (n=72) and Group 2 - more than eight years (n=60). Both groups were submitted to Ovariohysterectomy (OH), in which blood and uterine lumen secretion samples were collected. The highest incidence of pyometra was found in bitches under 8 years (54.5%), Poodle breed (31.8%) and mixed-breed (27.3%). Open pyometra represented 80.3% of all cases. The death rate (6.0%) did not show significant difference between the types. Anemia (73.0%), thrombocytopenia (41.2%) and leukocytosis (77.0%) were observed. Urea and ALP were above the reference values in 41.8% and 52.2% of each group, respectively, while ALT (94.0%) and creatine (82%) remained normal in most animals. Serum biochemistry did not show significant differences (P<0.05). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. grew in 33.3% and 16.7% of the samples, respectively. Therefore, no significant hematological and serum biochemical differences were observed in bitches with pyometra in both age categories.

Descreveu-se características hematológicas, bioquímicas séricas e prevalência de microrganismos no conteúdo uterino de cadelas com piometra, de acordo com o tipo e idade. Realizou-se este estudo no Hospital de Medicina Veterinária Renato Rodenburg de Medeiros Netto da UFBA com 132 pacientes diagnosticadas com piometra, por exames de imagem e laboratoriais, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 – menos de oito anos (n=72) e Grupo 2 – mais de oito anos (n=60), submetidas a Ovariectomia (OH), quando se coletou amostras de sangue e secreção do lúmen uterino. A incidência maior deu-se em cadelas abaixo de 8 anos (54,5%), da raça Poodle (31,8%) e sem raça definida (SRD) (27,3%), sendo 80,3% de piometra aberta. A taxa de óbito (6,0%) não apresentou diferença significativa entre os tipos. Observou-se a ocorrência de anemia (73,0%), trombocitopenia (41,2%) e leucocitose (77,0%). Os valores de ureia e FA estiveram acima dos valores de referência em 41,8% e 52,2% das cadelas respectivamente, enquanto a ALT (94,0%) e a creatina (82%) mantiveram-se dentro dos valores de referência na maioria dos animais. A bioquímica sérica não apresentou diferenças significativas (P<0,05). Observou-se crescimento de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. em 33,3% e 16,7% das amostras, respectivamente. Sendo assim, não se observou diferenças significativas hematológicas e na bioquímica sérica de cadelas com piometra nas categorias de idade.

Kisspeptin/Kiss1r system and angiogenic and immunological mediators at the maternal-fetal interface of domestic cats.

The Kisspeptin/Kiss1r system is a key regulator of reproduction by stimulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone release, and in vitro studies have shown that Kisspeptin can modulate angiogenesis and immune function, factors that are also essential for reproduction However, there are no studies on the expression of Kisspeptin/Kiss1r at the maternal-fetal interface in domestic cats and its relationship with angiogenic and immunological mediators. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the spatiotemporal expression profile of Kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immunological mediators in the uterus and placenta of domestic cats during pregnancy. Uterus and placenta samples were collected from cats in mid pregnancy (N = 6) and late pregnancy (N = 6), in addition to uterus from non-pregnant cats in diestrus (N = 7), to evaluate protein and gene expression of kisspeptin (Kiss1), kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tyrosine kinase receptor (Flk-1), placental growth factor (PLGF), interferon gamma (INFγ), migration inhibiting factor (MIF), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukins (IL6 and IL10) by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pregnancy increased the uterine expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1r, especially at the late pregnancy, in addition to upregulating INFy, MIF, Vegf, Il10, and Tnf and downregulating Plgf. Higher placental expression of Kiss1r and Plgf mRNA occurred at the late pregnancy, while the expression of Kiss1, VEGF, Flk-1, INFy, TNFα, Il6, and IL10 was higher in the mid of pregnancy. A positive correlation between Kiss1 and Tnf was observed in the placenta, while Kiss1r had a negative correlation with Infγ, Il6, and Il10. The findings reveal that Kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immunological mediators at the maternal-fetal interface of pregnant cat have a gene correlation and are modulated by the gestational age. These data suggest possible functional links of Kisspeptin in placental angiogenesis and immunology.

Pyometra and estrous cycle modulate the uterine expression of the kisspeptin system and angiogenic and immune factors in cats.

Failures in hypothalamic kisspeptin/Kiss1r signaling are associated with infertility, and in vitro studies have shown that kisspeptin can modulate angiogenesis and immune activity. Because there is no in vivo research on the functional relationship between these factors in the reproductive system, especially in domestic cats, we evaluated the expression profile of kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immunological mediators in the genital tract of cyclic cats and of those with pyometra. The uterus of cats in diestrus exhibited greater gene and protein expression of Kiss1, as well as Vegf, Pigf, Mif, and Il6. In contrast, Kiss1r presented greater expression in proestrus/estrus, similarly to that observed for the immunostaining of INFγ, MIF, TNFα, and IL10. These factors were positively correlated with Kiss1 and/or Kiss1r, and a positive correlation between Kiss1 and Kiss1r was also observed in the uterus of cats during the estrous cycle. Cats with pyometra showed greater immunostaining of Kiss1 and Kiss1r on the endometrial surface and reduced immunostaining of Kiss1 in deep glands, whereas there was a significant reduction in Vegf, Pigf, Mif, and Il6 mRNA, and an increase in Tnf mRNA. The findings reveal that there is a gene correlation between kisspeptin/Kiss1r and angiogenic and immune mediators in the uterus of the domestic cat, which is modulated by the estrous cycle, and that pyometra affects the expression of these mediators. This study suggests, for the first time, a functional relationship between the Kiss/Kiss1r system and angiogenic and immune mediators in the female genital tract.

Pulmonary function evaluation after hospital discharge of patients with severe COVID-19

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be associated with prolonged symptoms and post-recovery health impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the persistence of symptoms, lung function, and pulmonary diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in patients between 15 and 30 days after hospital discharge after admission for severe COVID-19. METHODS: The evaluation consisted of 1) comparative analysis between the initial symptoms and symptoms still present at the post-discharge evaluation 2) analysis of the chest images obtained during hospitalization, and 3) conducting spirometry, plethysmography, and DLCO assessment. RESULTS: Forty-one patients who were hospitalized for 16±8 days with severe COVID-19 were included. Patients were predominantly men (73%) and had a mean age of 51±14 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (51%) and diabetes mellitus (37%). Pulmonary evaluation was performed a mean of 36 days after the onset of symptoms, with the most frequent persistent symptoms being dyspnea (83%) and coughing (54%). Approximately 93% of patients still had at least one symptom, and 20% had more than five symptoms. Chest imaging revealed a typical pattern of COVID-19 on X-ray (93%) and computer tomography (95%). Lung function test results showed a restrictive pattern with a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) in 54% of individuals, with an average FVC of 78±14%. A reduction in DLCO was observed in 79% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of symptoms, in addition to a significant change in lung function and DLCO, in the post-discharge assessment of patients requiring hospitalization after admission for COVID-19.

Rediscovery of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle Protistolophus spangleri Short with notes on its habitat and behavior (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae).

The water scavenger beetle genus Protistolophus Short contains a single species, P. spangleri Short, 2010, known from southern Venezuela. The genus was hitherto known only from a single partly-incomplete male specimen, making it one of the rarest and most poorly known aquatic hydrophilid genera in the world. Only one other New World aquatic hydrophilid genus, the Ecuadorian cave endemic Troglochares Spangler, is known from a single specimen or locality. In a phylogenetic analysis of the Hydrophilini based on adult morphology, the genus Protistolophus was resolved as the sister taxon to the remaining genera of the tribe, implying it is an ancient and possibly relict lineage-it possesses a very unusual combination of characters, including a very weakly developed mesoventral keel. It was the only genus not included in a recent molecular phylogeny of the Hydrophilini as no suitable material was available for DNA (Toussaint et al. 2017).

Correction: The extravasation of contrast as a predictor of cerebral hemorrhagic contusion expansion, poor neurological outcome and mortality after traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235561.].

The extravasation of contrast as a predictor of cerebral hemorrhagic contusion expansion, poor neurological outcome and mortality after traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The active extravasation of contrast on CT angiography (CTA) in primary intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) is recognized as a predictive factor for ICH expansion, unfavorable outcomes and mortality. However, few studies have been conducted on the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI). PURPOSE: To perform a literature systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of contrast extravasation on cerebral hemorrhagic contusion expansion, neurological outcomes and mortality. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Scielo, VHL and IBECS databases up to September 21, 2019, were searched for eligible studies. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 505 individual titles and abstracts were identified and screened. A total of 36 were selected for full text analysis, out of which 4 fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria. DATA ANALYSIS: All 4 studies yielded point estimates suggestive of higher risk for hematoma expansion with contrast extravasation and the summary RR was 5.75 (95%CI 2.74-10.47, p<0.001). Contrast extravasation was also associated with worse neurological outcomes (RR 3.25, 95%CI 2.24-4.73, p<0.001) and higher mortality (RR 2.77, 95%CI 1.03-7.47, p = 0.04). DATA SYNTHESIS: This study is a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis revealed the extravasation of contrast is a useful imaging sign to predict hematoma expansion, worse neurological outcomes and higher mortality. LIMITATIONS: Only four articles were selected. CONCLUSIONS: The extravasation of contrast in the setting of TBI is a useful imaging sign to predict hematoma expansion, worse neurological outcomes and higher mortality.