Resveratrol attenuates doxorubicin-induced toxicity during in vitro culture of mouse-isolated preantral follicles.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the doxorubicin concentration that induces toxic effects on in vitro culture of isolated mouse secondary follicles and to investigate whether resveratrol can inhibit or reduce this toxicity. Secondary follicles were isolated and cultured for 12 days in control medium (α-MEM+) or in α-MEM+ supplemented with doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) or different concentrations of resveratrol (0.5, 2, or 5 µM) associated with doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) (experiment 1). For experiment 2, follicles were cultured in α-MEM+ alone or supplemented with doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) or different concentrations of resveratrol (5 or 10 µM) associated or not with doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) (experiment 2). The endpoints analyzed were morphology (survival), antrum formation, follicular diameter, mitochondrial activity, glutathione (GSH) levels and DNA fragmentation. In the first experiment, doxorubicin (0.1 µg/ml) maintained survival and antrum formation similar to the control, while 5 µM resveratrol showed increased parameters, maintained mitochondrial activity and increased GSH levels compared to the control. In the second experiment, doxorubicin (0.3 µg/ml) reduced survival, antrum formation and follicular diameter compared to the control. Resveratrol at a concentration of 10 µM attenuated the damage caused by doxorubicin by improving follicular survival and did not present DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, supplementation of the in vitro culture medium with 0.3 µg/ml doxorubicin reduced the survival and impaired the development of mouse-isolated preantral follicles. Resveratrol at 10 µM reduced doxorubicin-induced follicular atresia, without DNA fragmentation in the follicles.

Releasing antiferromagnetic skyrmions from local magnetic-anisotropy defects.

Lattice defects may work as a kind of apparatus for catching topological excitations, preventing their escape. So, the problem of removing skyrmions from eventual local defects in magnetic materials must be closely related to new technologies such as skyrmionic. Here, we examine the conditions for drawing a skyrmion from a magnetic impurity in a two-dimensional antiferromagnetic system by applying spin-polarized currents (SPC). Two types of impurities are investigated (local easy-axis and easy-plane anisotropy defects). Also, two methods to release the skyrmion with SPC are explored. In principle, our results could be qualitatively relevant to any other type of lattice defect.

Antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat product.

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet and are a good source of nutrients. Food-borne microorganisms are the main pathogens that cause human diseases as a result of food consumption, especially products of animal origin. The objective of the present research was to verify the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris against strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat products. For this, the analyses of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed in microdilution plates. The association of the product with antimicrobials was also studied using disk diffusion. And the anti-adherent activity, which was determined in the presence of sucrose, in glass tubes. Thyme oil showed a strong inhibitory activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, with the MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 µg/mL, and bactericidal effect for most strains, with MBC values ranging from 256 to 1,024 µg/mL. T. vulgaris oil exhibited varied interactions in association with the antimicrobials, with synergistic (41.67%), indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (8.33%) effects. Regarding the anti-adherent activity, the test product was effective in inhibiting the adherence of all bacterial strains under study. Therefore, thyme oil presents itself as an antibacterial and anti-adherent agent against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, being a natural product that can represent an interesting alternative in the efforts to combat foodborne diseases.

Antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat product / Atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Thymus vulgaris (tomilho) contra cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Staphylococcus saprophyticus isoladas de produtos cárneos

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet and are a good source of nutrients. Food-borne microorganisms are the main pathogens that cause human diseases as a result of food consumption, especially products of animal origin. The objective of the present research was to verify the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris against strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from meat products. For this, the analyses of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed in microdilution plates. The association of the product with antimicrobials was also studied using disk diffusion. And the anti-adherent activity, which was determined in the presence of sucrose, in glass tubes. Thyme oil showed a strong inhibitory activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, with the MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 µg/mL, and bactericidal effect for most strains, with MBC values ranging from 256 to 1,024 µg/mL. T. vulgaris oil exhibited varied interactions in association with the antimicrobials, with synergistic (41.67%), indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (8.33%) effects. Regarding the anti-adherent activity, the test product was effective in inhibiting the adherence of all bacterial strains under study. Therefore, thyme oil presents itself as an antibacterial and anti-adherent agent against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. saprophyticus, being a natural product that can represent an interesting alternative in the efforts to combat foodborne diseases.

Os produtos cárneos representam um importante componente da dieta humana e constituem uma boa fonte de nutrientes. Microrganismos de origem alimentar são os principais patógenos que causam doenças humanas como resultado do consumo de alimentos, principalmente, produtos de origem animal. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Thymus vulgaris frente às cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus saprophyticus isoladas de produtos cárneos. Para isso, foram realizadas as análises de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de microdiluição. Assim como, o estudo de associação do produto com antimicrobianos, realizado por difusão em disco. E a atividade antiaderente, que foi determinada na presença de sacarose, em tubos de vidro. O óleo de tomilho apresentou uma forte atividade inibitória contra K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa e S. saprophyticus, com os valores de CIM variando entre 64 a 512 µg/mL, e efeito bactericida para a maioria das cepas, com valores de CBM entre 256 a 1.024 µg/mL. O óleo de T. vulgaris exibiu interações variadas na associação com os antimicrobianos, com efeitos sinérgicos (41,67%), indiferente (50%) e antagonista (8,33%). Em relação a atividade antiaderente, o produto teste foi eficaz na inibição a aderência de todas cepas bacterianas em estudo. Portanto, o óleo de tomilho apresenta-se como agente antibacteriano e antiaderente frente a K. pneumoniae, a P. aeruginosa e a S. saprophyticus, sendo um produto natural que pode representar uma alternativa interessante nos esforços para combater doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Intestinal morphometry and performance of broiler chickens subjected to diets with buriti oil / [Morfometria intestinal e desempenho de frangos de corte submetidos a dietas com óleo de buriti]

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, carcass yield, and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens subjected to diets with the inclusion of buriti oil. Buriti oil is an energy food that can be used in chicken feed to replace soybean oil, which has a high cost in production, also has its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which can provide benefits in chicken feed. 180 male broilers of the Ross lineage were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The experimental phase took place from 14 to 28 days and levels 0; 0.75 and 1.50% of buriti oil were added to the corn and soybean-based feed. It can be inferred that the buriti oil-based diets in the diet with insertion of levels of 0%, 0.75% and 1.50% did not differ significantly for the productive performance variables, but in relation to the productive yield there was a significant difference for carcass yield accompanied by greater disposition of abdominal fat, thigh and heart fat, a common effect in the use of oils. Although no statistical differences were observed for most of the variables in the assessment of intestinal morphometry, there was an increase in the crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum and an increase in the muscle layer of the duodenum and jejunum, which may have been caused by some injury to the intestine and not by direct effect of buriti oil. In the other variables there was no difference between treatments and it is concluded that buriti oil did not harm the performance, yield and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens from 14 to 28 days of age.

Objetivou-se, com essa pesquisa, avaliar o desempenho produtivo, o rendimento de carcaça e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte com dietas submetidas à inclusão do óleo de buriti. Trata-se de um alimento energético que pode ser utilizado na alimentação de frangos visando substituir o óleo de soja, o qual apresenta alto custo na produção. O óleo de buriti ainda possui suas propriedades anti-inflamatórias, antioxidantes, antimicrobianas, podendo conferir benefícios na alimentação de frangos. Foram utilizados 180 frangos de corte machos, da linhagem Ross, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. A fase experimental ocorreu de 14 a 28 dias, e os níveis 0%, 0,75% e 1,50% de óleo de buriti foram inseridos na ração à base de milho e soja. Pode-se inferir que as dietas à base de óleo de buriti na dieta com inserção dos níveis de 0%, 0,75% e 1,50% não diferiram significativamente para as variáveis de desempenho produtivo, mas, em relação ao rendimento produtivo, houve uma diferença significativa para o rendimento de carcaça, acompanhado de maior disposição de gordura abdominal, gordura de sobrecoxa e coração, efeito comum na utilização de óleos. Apesar de não serem observadas diferenças estatísticas para a maioria das variáveis na avaliação da morfometria intestinal, houve aumento na profundidade de cripta do duodeno e do íleo, bem como aumento da camada muscular do duodeno e do jejuno, que podem ter sido provocados por alguma injúria no intestino e não por efeito direto do óleo de buriti. Nas demais variáveis, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos, e conclui-se que o óleo de buriti não causou prejuízo ao desempenho, ao rendimento e à morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte no período de 14 a 28 dias de idade.

Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus faecium in commercial cattle: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalência de Enterococcus faecium resistente a antimicrobianos na bovinocultura comercial: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

The use of antimicrobials in animals is broader compared to humans, which can influence the increase in microbial resistance. This study was a systematic review which determined the prevalence of resistant Enterococcus faecium in commercial cattle. Eighteen studies were included, mainly carried out in European countries (n=9) and in the production (n= 11) and retail (n= 7) environments. The main material used in the detection of the microorganism was milk. The mean prevalence of resistant E. faecium in cattle was 4.3% (95% CI = 2.8-5.0%), but the prevalence in Asia was higher [25.4% (95% CI = 20.5-30.6%)]. There was a higher prevalence in samples from retail (13.7%; 95% CI=11.5-16.1%) and collected mainly from equipment surfaces (12.5%; 95% CI= 5.5-26.1%) than in the others tested samples. Antibiotics frequently tested were vancomycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin, with resistance percentages of 50%, 59%, 79%, and 94%, respectively. These results reinforce the need to plan interventions to reduce antimicrobials in food-producing animals.

O uso de antimicrobianos em animais é mais frequente quando comparado aos humanos, e isso pode influenciar no desenvolvimento da resistência microbiana. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática cujo desfecho de interesse foi a prevalência de E. faecium resistente a antimicrobianos na bovinocultura comercial. Foram incluídos 18 estudos, realizados principalmente em países europeus (n=9), em ambientes de produção (n=11) e destinados ao varejo (n=7). O principal material utilizado na detecção do microrganismo foi o leite. A prevalência de E. faecium resistente em bovinos foi de 4,3% (IC 95% -2,8-5,0%), mas a prevalência na Ásia foi maior [25,4% (IC 95%=20,5-30,6%)]. Houve maior prevalência em amostras do varejo (13,7%; IC 95%=11,5-16,1%) e coletadas principalmente de superfícies de equipamentos (12,5%; IC 95%-5,5-26,1%). Os antibióticos frequentemente testados foram vancomicina, tetraciclina, ciprofloxacino, e eritromicina, com percentuais de resistência de 50%, 59%, 79%, e 94%, respectivamente. Estes resultados reforçam a necessidade de intervenções planejadas para reduzir a utilização de antimicrobianos nos animais criados para produção de alimentos.

Oral Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: A 6-Month Update.

This is the first update of the previously published living systematic review that summarized evidence on the prevalence of oral signs and symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Hitherto, 183 studies were included, reporting data from 64,876 patients with COVID-19 worldwide. The overall prevalence of taste disorders was 38% (95% CI = 22% to 56%, I2 = 98%). Hypogeusia, dysgeusia, and ageusia were also evaluated by a meta-analysis, and the pooled prevalence was 34% for hypogeusia, 33% for dysgeusia, and 26% for ageusia. Taste disorders were associated with a positive COVID-19 test (odds ratio [OR] = 7.54, 95% CI = 5.24 to 10.86, I2 = 93%, P < 0.00001), showing high certainty of evidence. However, the association between taste disorders and mild/moderate severity of COVID-19 (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.33 to 1.99, I2 = 69%, P < 0.0001) and female patients with COVID-19 (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.48, I2 = 79%, P = 0.001) presented low certainty of evidence. Xerostomia was a new feature of this update, and the pooled data demonstrated a prevalence of 43% (95% CI = 36% to 50%, I2 = 71%) in patients with COVID-19. Regarding oral mucosal lesions, the most common clinical pattern was aphthous like, followed by herpes-like lesions, candidiasis, glossitis/depapillation/geographic tongue, parotitis, and angular cheilitis. Oral lesions were more frequent in the tongue, lips, and palate, presenting miscellaneous clinical aspects that are more likely to represent coinfections. Therefore, the reanalysis of current evidence suggests the triad xerostomia, taste dysfunction, and oral mucosal lesions as common manifestations in patients with COVID-19. However, these outcomes are under discussion, and more studies will be necessary to confirm their association with direct SARS-CoV-2 infection in the oral cavity.

Leptin decreases apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in cultured ovine ovarian tissue.

This study evaluated the effects of leptin on primordial follicle survival and activation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue and if leptin acts through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histology (fresh control) or cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM+) alone or supplemented with leptin (1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 ng/ml). Follicle morphology, activation and apoptosis were analyzed. Next, the fragments were cultured in the medium that showed the best results in the absence or the presence of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), and immunohistostaining of p-Akt protein was assessed. After culture, the percentage of normal follicles decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the fresh control. Moreover, control medium and 1 ng/ml leptin had similar (P > 0.05) percentages of normal follicles, which were significantly higher than those in other treatments. However, culture with 1 ng/ml leptin maintained apoptosis similarly (P > 0.05) to that of the fresh control and lower (P < 0.05) than that in α-MEM+. Leptin did not influence follicle activation (P > 0.05) compared with the control medium (α-MEM+). Culture in 1 ng/ml leptin with LY294002 decreased the normal follicles and increased apoptosis, inhibited follicle activation (P < 0.05), and reduced p-Akt immunostaining, compared with the medium containing 1 ng/ml leptin without PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, leptin at 1 ng/ml reduces apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles compared with the fresh control after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue possibly through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Oral Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review.

This living systematic review aims to summarize evidence on the prevalence of oral signs and symptoms in patients with COVID-19. The review was reported per the PRISMA checklist, and the literature search was conducted in 6 databases and in gray literature. Studies published in any language mentioning oral symptoms and signs in patients with COVID-19 were included. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. The certainty of evidence was evaluated through GRADE assessment. After a 2-step selection, 40 studies were included: 33 cross-sectional and 7 case reports. Overall, 10,228 patients (4,288 males, 5,770 females, and 170 unknown) from 19 countries were assessed. Gustatory impairment was the most common oral manifestation, with a prevalence of 45% (95% CI, 34% to 55%; I2 = 99%). The pooled eligible data for different taste disorders were 38% for dysgeusia and 35% for hypogeusia, while ageusia had a prevalence of 24%. Taste disorders were associated with COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR], 12.68; 95% CI, 6.41 to 25.10; I2 = 63%; P < 0.00001), mild/moderate severity (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.49; I2 = 66%; P = 0.005), and female patients (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.17; I2 = 70%; P = 0.0007). Oral mucosal lesions presented multiple clinical aspects, including white and erythematous plaques, irregular ulcers, small blisters, petechiae, and desquamative gingivitis. Tongue, palate, lips, gingiva, and buccal mucosa were affected. In mild cases, oral mucosal lesions developed before or at the same time as the initial respiratory symptoms; however, in those who required medication and hospitalization, the lesions developed approximately 7 to 24 d after onset symptoms. Therefore, taste disorders may be common symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and should be considered in the scope of the disease's onset and progression. Oral mucosal lesions are more likely to present as coinfections and secondary manifestations with multiple clinical aspects (PROSPERO CRD42020184468).

Magnus-force induced skyrmion-antiskyrmion coupling in inhomogeneous racetrack.

In this paper we investigate a magnetic racetrack consisting of a junction of three materials with different properties. Indeed, this magnetic system is composed by two distinct regions (racetracks) connected by a thin interface: the first region (termed sector 1) has isotropic in-plane magnetic chirality and supports skyrmion (S) excitations while the second (sector 3) has anisotropic chirality and consequently supports antiskyrmions (A). The interface, which would be a third region (sector 2, connecting sectors 1 and 3) located in the central part of the racetrack, is an easy-axis Heisenberg ferromagnetic material. The topological structures S and A are put in motion by applying a spin-polarized current. Under certain conditions, we show that the skyrmion and the antiskyrmion created in their respective sectors are simultaneously impelled to the interface (due to the Magnus force) to apparently become a unique object (a skyrmion-antiskyrmion pair or SAP). After glued by sector 2, the skyrmion and the antiskyrmion move together (as a SAP) along the direction of the applied current. It is also shown that such an engineered racetrack can support a sequence of several SAP structures in motion, forming a current.

Detection of Mycoplasma Synoviae and Other Pathogens in Laying Hens with Respiratory Signs in the Rearing and Production Phases

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), M. gallisepticum (MG), Ornitobacterium rhinotracheale (OR), Avibacterium paragallinarum (AP), Pasteurella multocida (PM) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) in laying hens with respiratory clinical signs in two phases of production. 140 tracheal swabs and 140 blood samples were collected from laying hens in the rearing and production phases, the chickens belonged to six farms (A-F) located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The samples were analyzed by PCR for MG, MS, OR, AP, PM and IBV and by ELISA for MG and MS. The highest frequencies observed by PCR were for MS at farms B and C with 95 and 100% positivity, followed by MG at farms D and E with 35% and 65%, IBV with 35% at farm F and ORT with 15% at farm A. All flocks were positive for MG and MS in serology. Although MG and IBV have been detected, this can be explained by the vaccination protocols, since live attenuated vaccines are widely used for immunization against these pathogens. It was also possible to detect OR and AP thorugh PCR in some flocks. The occurrence of several etiological agents that cause respiratory diseases in laying hens was confirmed by PCR and serology, with MS being the most prevalent and being present in all farms studied.(AU)

Detection of Mycoplasma Synoviae and Other Pathogens in Laying Hens with Respiratory Signs in the Rearing and Production Phases

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), M. gallisepticum (MG), Ornitobacterium rhinotracheale (OR), Avibacterium paragallinarum (AP), Pasteurella multocida (PM) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) in laying hens with respiratory clinical signs in two phases of production. 140 tracheal swabs and 140 blood samples were collected from laying hens in the rearing and production phases, the chickens belonged to six farms (A-F) located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The samples were analyzed by PCR for MG, MS, OR, AP, PM and IBV and by ELISA for MG and MS. The highest frequencies observed by PCR were for MS at farms B and C with 95 and 100% positivity, followed by MG at farms D and E with 35% and 65%, IBV with 35% at farm F and ORT with 15% at farm A. All flocks were positive for MG and MS in serology. Although MG and IBV have been detected, this can be explained by the vaccination protocols, since live attenuated vaccines are widely used for immunization against these pathogens. It was also possible to detect OR and AP thorugh PCR in some flocks. The occurrence of several etiological agents that cause respiratory diseases in laying hens was confirmed by PCR and serology, with MS being the most prevalent and being present in all farms studied.

Prevalência e estudo genético de Mycoplasma gallisepticum e M. synoviae em poedeiras comerciais, na região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / [Prevalence and genetic study of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains from commercial laying hens in the Midwest region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a prevalência de MG e MS e a filogenia das cepas circulantes, comparando-as com outras já descritas em poedeiras comerciais no Brasil. Foram coletados 140 suabes traqueais de poedeiras comerciais com sinais respiratórios em seis granjas da região centro-oeste de São Paulo. As amostras foram avaliadas por PCR, com posterior sequenciamento e análise filogenética das cepas identificadas. Das 140 amostras, 16,4% foram positivas para MG e 68,6% para MS. Houve diferença significativa nas frequências de MG e MS por granja, segundo o teste G de independência (P<0,05). Todas as cepas identificadas de MG e MS de granjas distintas apresentaram similaridade tanto pela lipoproteína para MG quanto pela região 16s rRNA para MS. Neste estudo, foi possível observar altas prevalências dos agentes estudados, sendo a de MS maior que a de MG. Foi detectada infecção mista por MG e MS em 11,4% das amostras e sabe-se que esses micoplasmas podem agir de forma sinérgica, agravando o quadro respiratório. As cepas circulantes identificadas, pela análise das regiões gênicas da lipoproteína para MG e 16S rRNA para MS, são similares em todas as granjas estudadas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MG and MS and the phylogeny of the circulating strains, comparing them with others already described in commercial laying hens from Brazil. A total of 140 tracheal swabs were collected from commercial laying hens with respiratory signs in six farms from the western region of São Paulo state. The samples were analyzed by PCR with subsequent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the identified strains. From the 140 samples, 68.6% were positive for MS and 16.4% for MG. There was a significant difference in the frequencies of MG and MS per farm according to G Test of independence (P<0.05). All strains identified as MG and MS from distinct farms presented similarity both by lipoprotein to MG and by 16s rRNA region to MS. In this study, it was possible to observe a high prevalence of MS compared to MG. Mixed MG and MS infection was detected in 11.4% of the samples. These mycoplasmas may act synergistically, worsening the respiratory signs. The circulating strains identified by analysis of the lipoprotein for MG and 16S rRNA for MS are similar on all poultry farms studied.(AU)

Prevalência e estudo genético de Mycoplasma gallisepticum e M. synoviae em poedeiras comerciais, na região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / [Prevalence and genetic study of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains from commercial laying hens in the Midwest region of Sao Paulo state, Brazil]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a prevalência de MG e MS e a filogenia das cepas circulantes, comparando-as com outras já descritas em poedeiras comerciais no Brasil. Foram coletados 140 suabes traqueais de poedeiras comerciais com sinais respiratórios em seis granjas da região centro-oeste de São Paulo. As amostras foram avaliadas por PCR, com posterior sequenciamento e análise filogenética das cepas identificadas. Das 140 amostras, 16,4% foram positivas para MG e 68,6% para MS. Houve diferença significativa nas frequências de MG e MS por granja, segundo o teste G de independência (P<0,05). Todas as cepas identificadas de MG e MS de granjas distintas apresentaram similaridade tanto pela lipoproteína para MG quanto pela região 16s rRNA para MS. Neste estudo, foi possível observar altas prevalências dos agentes estudados, sendo a de MS maior que a de MG. Foi detectada infecção mista por MG e MS em 11,4% das amostras e sabe-se que esses micoplasmas podem agir de forma sinérgica, agravando o quadro respiratório. As cepas circulantes identificadas, pela análise das regiões gênicas da lipoproteína para MG e 16S rRNA para MS, são similares em todas as granjas estudadas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MG and MS and the phylogeny of the circulating strains, comparing them with others already described in commercial laying hens from Brazil. A total of 140 tracheal swabs were collected from commercial laying hens with respiratory signs in six farms from the western region of São Paulo state. The samples were analyzed by PCR with subsequent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the identified strains. From the 140 samples, 68.6% were positive for MS and 16.4% for MG. There was a significant difference in the frequencies of MG and MS per farm according to G Test of independence (P<0.05). All strains identified as MG and MS from distinct farms presented similarity both by lipoprotein to MG and by 16s rRNA region to MS. In this study, it was possible to observe a high prevalence of MS compared to MG. Mixed MG and MS infection was detected in 11.4% of the samples. These mycoplasmas may act synergistically, worsening the respiratory signs. The circulating strains identified by analysis of the lipoprotein for MG and 16S rRNA for MS are similar on all poultry farms studied.(AU)

Determining the probability of locating peaks using computerized peak-location methods in gamma-ray spectra as a function of the relative peak-area uncertainty.

The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Nontyphoidal Salmonella Recovered from Broiler Chickens and Chicken Carcasses in Brazil

The extensive use of antimicrobial agents has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) in Salmonella, an important zoonotic pathogen that causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from poultry in Brazil. A total of 230 Salmonella strains, isolated from cloacal swabs (n=56) and broiler carcasses swabs (n=174) before and after chilling from slaughterhouses under Federal Inspection Service within the period 2012-2017, were analyzed. Serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on all the isolates. Serotyping results showed that 41% of the strains were Salmonella Heidelberg, 29% S. Minnesota, 12% S. Saintpaul, 6.5% S. Enteritidis, 3.9% S. Anatum, 2.2% S. Cerro, 2.2% S. Senftenberg, 1.7% S. Newport, 0.4% S. Ealing, 0.4% S. O:4,5 and 0.4% S. O:9,12. MDR rates of the isolates were 67.4%. S. Heidelberg 89.5%, S. Minnesota 51.5%, S. Saintpaul 82.1%, S. Anatum 66.7%, S. Cerro 60%, S. Senftenberg 40%. Out of the 230 strains, 41.3% presented resistance to Penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitor, Penicillin, 1st and 2nd Generation Cephalosporin, 3rd and 4th Generation Cephalosporin, Tetracycline and Sulfonamide. Salmonella Heidelberg, S. Saintpaul, S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Senftenberg and S. Minnesota were isolated after chilling tank highlighting a food safety concern for the industry of poultry and poultry products indicating a risk to collective health. The high prevalence of MDR nontyphoidal Salmonella obtained in this study limit the options available to treat infectious disease in humans and animals.(AU)

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Nontyphoidal Salmonella Recovered from Broiler Chickens and Chicken Carcasses in Brazil

The extensive use of antimicrobial agents has contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) in Salmonella, an important zoonotic pathogen that causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella strains isolated from poultry in Brazil. A total of 230 Salmonella strains, isolated from cloacal swabs (n=56) and broiler carcasses swabs (n=174) before and after chilling from slaughterhouses under Federal Inspection Service within the period 2012-2017, were analyzed. Serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on all the isolates. Serotyping results showed that 41% of the strains were Salmonella Heidelberg, 29% S. Minnesota, 12% S. Saintpaul, 6.5% S. Enteritidis, 3.9% S. Anatum, 2.2% S. Cerro, 2.2% S. Senftenberg, 1.7% S. Newport, 0.4% S. Ealing, 0.4% S. O:4,5 and 0.4% S. O:9,12. MDR rates of the isolates were 67.4%. S. Heidelberg 89.5%, S. Minnesota 51.5%, S. Saintpaul 82.1%, S. Anatum 66.7%, S. Cerro 60%, S. Senftenberg 40%. Out of the 230 strains, 41.3% presented resistance to Penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitor, Penicillin, 1st and 2nd Generation Cephalosporin, 3rd and 4th Generation Cephalosporin, Tetracycline and Sulfonamide. Salmonella Heidelberg, S. Saintpaul, S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Senftenberg and S. Minnesota were isolated after chilling tank highlighting a food safety concern for the industry of poultry and poultry products indicating a risk to collective health. The high prevalence of MDR nontyphoidal Salmonella obtained in this study limit the options available to treat infectious disease in humans and animals.

Antiferromagnetic skyrmions overcoming obstacles in a racetrack.

Topological objects interacting with lattice defects is an important topic in condensed matter physics. In this paper, we would like to explore the ballistic trajectory of an antiferromagnetic skyrmion in a racetrack to study processes such as collisions of skyrmions and holes in the magnetic sample. The skyrmion is impelled against the hole-obstacle by means of a spin polarized current. Depending on the skyrmion velocity (associated to the strength of the applied current) and the type of collision (frontal or lateral), it will be captured, scattered or completely destroyed by the hole. In some cases, this obstacle can shift the skyrmion center from a straight line to another one, and it appears as an effective way of manipulating skyrmion trajectories and dynamics.

Temporal expression of pluripotency-associated transcription factors in sheep and cattle preimplantation embryos.

SummaryPluripotency-associated transcription factors (PATFs) modulate gene expression during early mammalian embryogenesis. Despite a strong understanding of PATFs during mouse embryogenesis, limited progress has been made in ruminants. This work aimed to describe the temporal expression of eight PATFs during both sheep and cattle preimplantation development. Transcript availability of PATFs was evaluated by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in eggs, cleavage-stage embryos, morulae, and blastocysts. Transcripts of five genes were detected in all developmental stages of both species (KLF5, OCT4, RONIN, ZFP281, and ZFX). Furthermore, CMYC was detected in all cattle samples but was found from cleavage-stage onwards in sheep. In contrast, NR0B1 was detected in all sheep samples but was not detected in cattle morulae. GLIS1 displayed the most significant variation in temporal expression between species, as this PATF was only detected in cattle eggs and sheep cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts. In silico analysis suggested that cattle and sheep PATFs share similar size, isometric point and molecular weight. A phenetic analysis showed two patterns of PATF clustering between cattle and sheep, among several mammalian species. In conclusion, the temporal expression of pluripotency-associated transcription factors differs between sheep and cattle, suggesting species-specific regulation during preimplantation development.