Use of essential oils from plants of Araripe National Forest against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes aegypti control is achieved with chemical insecticides that can promote insecticide resistance. In the search for new forms of control, the use of botanical products is currently growing and many tests with oils have already been performed. The plant diversity of Araripe National Forest enables the study of several species against this vector. To evaluate the larvicidal effect of essential oils from plants of this forest, we used field rosemary, copaiba, bay leaf, cashew and pequi. The work was divided into three stages: all oils with the same dosage; the best oil at dosages of 0, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 75 µg/mL; and the best dosage at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C. The oils of field rosemary, copaiba, bay leaf, cashew and pequi were good insecticides when used at dosages above 5 µg/mL. The bay leaf oil showed high larvicidal activity at all dosages tested, showing the highest efficiency at 75 µg/mL. Temperatures of 15 and 35 °C increased the susceptibility of the insect to the effect of the bay leaf oil. The essential oils of field rosemary, copaiba, bay leaf, cashew and pequi, from Araripe National Forest, applied at a dosage of 5µg/mL, showed insecticidal action, although with low efficiency.

Antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers and their predictive mechanism of action on Candida albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses.

Onychomycosis is the most common disease affecting the nail unit and accounts for at least 50% of all nail diseases. In addition, Candida albicans is responsible for approximately 70% of onychomycoses caused by yeasts. This study investigated the antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers, as well as its predictive mechanism of action on C. albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses. For this purpose, in vitro broth microdilution and molecular docking techniques were applied in a predictive and complementary manner to the mechanisms of action. The main results of this study indicate that C. albicans was resistant to voriconazole and sensitive to the enantiomers (R) and (S)-citronellal at a dose of 256 and 32 µg/mL respectively. In addition, there was an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the enantiomers in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol, indicating that these molecules possibly affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking with key biosynthesis proteins and maintenance of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane demonstrated the possibility of (R) and (S)-citronellal interacting with two important enzymes: 1,3-ß-glucan synthase and lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers are fungicidal on C. albicans from onychomycoses and probably these substances cause damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of these micro-organisms possibly by interacting with enzymes in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures.

Effect of Salivary Flow on Bleached Enamel Roughness and Mineral Content: an In Situ and In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of human saliva in vitro and salivary flow in situ on the roughness and mineral content of bleached enamel. Dental specimens were divided into five groups (n=15): not bleached (NB); bleached (35% hydrogen peroxide) and exposed to distilled water (DW); human saliva in vitro (IV); normal salivary flow in situ (NSF); and low salivary flow (LSF) in situ. Enamel roughness (Ra, Rz) and calcium/phosphorus contents were evaluated with laser profilometry and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively, at baseline (T1), after bleaching (T2), and after seven days (T3). Salivary pH and buffer capacity were evaluated with colorimetric strips and salivary calcium and phosphorus with absorbance spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed with non-parametric tests and linear regression (α=0.05). After contact with saliva, Ra and Rz of LSF=DW>IV=NSF=NB was found. For DW and LSF, the roughness of T1

Molecular docking studies and evaluation of the antiretroviral activity and cytotoxicity of the species Lafoensia pacari Saint-Hilaire.

Interest in antiviral plant species has grown exponentially and some have been reported to have anti-HIV properties. This research aims to perform the bio-guided phytochemical fractionation by antiretroviral activity of Lafoensia pacari stem barks. This in vitro experimental study involved the preparation of plant material, obtention of ethanolic extract, fractionation, purification, identification and quantification of fractions, acid-base extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, HIV-1 RT inhibition test and molecular docking studies. From the bio-guided fractionation by the antiretroviral activity there was a higher activity in the acetanolic subfractions, highlighting the acetate subfraction - neutrals with 60.98% of RT inhibition and ellagic acid with 88.61% of RT inhibition and absence of cytotoxicity. The macrophage lineage cytotoxicity assay showed that the chloroform fraction was more toxic than the acetate fraction. The analysis of the J-resolved spectrum in the aromatic region showed a singlet at 7.48 and 6.93 ppm which was identified as ellagic acid and gallic acid, respectively. The 5TIQ enzyme obtained better affinity parameter with the ellagic acid ligand, which was confirmed by the HSQC-1H-13C spectra. Gallic acid was also favorable to form interaction with the 5TIQ enzyme, being confirmed through the HSQC-1H-13C spectrum. From the PreADMET evaluation it was found that ellagic acid is a promising molecule for its RT inhibition activity and pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters.

Analgesia and pain: Dual effect of dopamine on the peripheral nociceptive system is dependent on D2-or D1-like receptor activation.

In this study, a pharmacological approach, together with the paw pressure test, was used to investigate the role of dopamine and its receptors in the peripheral processing of the nociceptive response in mice. Initially, the administration of dopamine (5, 20, and 80 ng/paw) in the hind paw of male Swiss mice (30-40 g) promoted antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner. This was considered a peripheral effect, as it did not produce changes in the nociceptive threshold of the contralateral paw. The D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptor antagonists remoxipride (4 µg/paw), U99194 (16 µg/paw), and L-745,870 (16 µg/paw), respectively, reversed the dopamine-mediated antinociception in mice with PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. The D1 and D5 dopamine receptor antagonists SKF 83566 (2 µg/paw) and SCH 23390 (1.6 µg/paw), respectively, did not alter dopamine antinociception. In contrast, dopamine at higher doses (0.1, 1, and 10 µg/paw) caused hyperalgesia in the animals, and the D1 and D5 receptor antagonists reversed this pronociceptive effect (10 µg/paw), whereas the D2 receptor antagonist remoxipride did not. Our data suggest that dopamine has a dual effect that depends on the dose, as it causes peripheral antinociceptive effects at small doses via the activation of D2-like receptors and nociceptive effects at higher doses via the activation of D1-like receptors.

Kahweol, a natural diterpene from coffee, induces peripheral antinociception by endocannabinoid system activation.

Kahweol is a compound derived from coffee with reported antinociceptive effects. Based on the few reports that exist in the literature regarding the mechanisms involved in kahweol-induced peripheral antinociceptive action, this study proposed to investigate the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the peripheral antinociception induced in rats by kahweol. Hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and was measured with the paw pressure test. Kahweol and the drugs to test the cannabinoid system were administered locally into the right hind paw. The endocannabinoids were purified by open-bed chromatography on silica and measured by LC-MS. Kahweol (80 µg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception against PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. This effect was reversed by the intraplantar injection of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 (20, 40, and 80 µg/paw), but not by the CB2 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM630 (100 µg/paw). Treatment with the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor VDM11 (2.5 µg/paw) intensified the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by low-dose kahweol (40 µg/paw). The monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184 (4 µg/paw), and the dual MAGL/fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, MAFP (0.5 µg/paw), potentiated the peripheral antinociceptive effect of low-dose kahweol. Furthermore, kahweol increased the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not of the other endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol nor of anandamide-related N-acylethanolamines, in the plantar surface of the rat paw. Our results suggested that kahweol induced peripheral antinociception via anandamide release and activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and this compound could be used to develop new drugs for pain relief.

Kahweol, a natural diterpene from coffee, induces peripheral antinociception by endocannabinoid system activation

Kahweol is a compound derived from coffee with reported antinociceptive effects. Based on the few reports that exist in the literature regarding the mechanisms involved in kahweol-induced peripheral antinociceptive action, this study proposed to investigate the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the peripheral antinociception induced in rats by kahweol. Hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and was measured with the paw pressure test. Kahweol and the drugs to test the cannabinoid system were administered locally into the right hind paw. The endocannabinoids were purified by open-bed chromatography on silica and measured by LC-MS. Kahweol (80 µg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception against PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. This effect was reversed by the intraplantar injection of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 (20, 40, and 80 μg/paw), but not by the CB2 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM630 (100 μg/paw). Treatment with the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor VDM11 (2.5 μg/paw) intensified the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by low-dose kahweol (40 μg/paw). The monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184 (4 μg/paw), and the dual MAGL/fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, MAFP (0.5 μg/paw), potentiated the peripheral antinociceptive effect of low-dose kahweol. Furthermore, kahweol increased the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not of the other endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol nor of anandamide-related N-acylethanolamines, in the plantar surface of the rat paw. Our results suggested that kahweol induced peripheral antinociception via anandamide release and activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and this compound could be used to develop new drugs for pain relief.

Adopt a Bacterium: a professional development opportunity for teacher assistants.

Science teaching in most Brazilian Universities tends to focus mainly on lectures and provides few opportunities for the development of modern teaching skills. Our group developed an online tool called Adopt a Bacterium, which consists on a Facebook group where teacher assistants (TAs) can interact with students and have a first contact with student-focused learning approaches. This work shows the TAs' own assessment of how the tool could be further explored to help them develop skills and become better teachers.

Exposição crônica ao cloridrato de metformina e à glibenclamida causa alterações comportamentais, glicêmicas e de mortalidade em Hemigrammus caudovittatus e Danio rerio / Chronic exposure to metformin chloridrate and glibenclamide causes behavioral, blood glucose and mortality changes of Hemigrammus caudovittatus and Danio rerio

Hemigrammus caudovittatus e Danio rerio foram expostos aos hipoglicemiantes orais (HOs) cloridrato de metformina a 40µg/L e 120µg/L e glibenclamida a 0,13µg/L e 0,39µg/L durante 100 dias. Foram avaliados os efeitos tóxicos dos fármacos em relação ao peso, ao comportamento animal, à glicemia e à mortalidade. H. caudovittatus expostos à menor concentração dos fármacos apresentaram aumento significativo (P<0,05) no evento Respiração Aérea. Ainda, foi observado aumento no comportamento Descansar quando os animais foram expostos à glibenclamida a 0,39µg/L. Em D. rerio expostos ao cloridrato de metformina a 120µg/L, foi observado aumento (P<0,05) no comportamento Descansar. A glibenclamida provocou redução (P<0,05) na glicemia de H. caudovittatus. Ambos os fármacos causaram efeito letal na espécie D. rerio, contudo a glibenclamida foi mais tóxica, causando 100% de mortalidade em 30 dias de exposição. Os animais que vieram a óbito apresentaram congestão nos arcos branquiais e hemorragia. Os HOs foram desenvolvidos para apresentarem efeitos fisiológicos em mamíferos, entretanto efeitos tóxicos foram encontrados nas duas espécies de peixe estudadas. Isso levanta a preocupação sobre possíveis efeitos tóxicos de HOs e sobre quais métodos serão utilizados para a sua degradação no ambiente aquático.(AU)

Hemigrammus caudovittatus and Danio rerio were exposed to oral hypoglycemic drugs (HOs) metformin hydrochloride at 40µg/L and 120µg/L and to glibenclamide at 0.13µg/L and 0.39µg/L during 100 days. Toxic effects of the drugs were evaluated based on weight, animal behavior, blood glucose and mortality. H. caudovittatus exposed to lowest concentration of the drugs showed significant increase (P< 0.05) in the Air breathing event. Furthermore, increase in Rest event was observed when animals were exposed to glibenclamide at 0.39µg/L. An increase (P< 0.05) in the frequency of Rest behavior in the D. rerio exposed to metformin hydrochloride at 120µg/L was observed. Glibenclamide caused decrease (P< 0.05) in the blood glucose of H. caudovittatus. Both drugs caused lethal effect against D. rerio. Nevertheless, glibenclamide was more toxic causing 100% of mortality after 30 days of exposure. The animals that died showed congestion on the branchial arches and hemorrhage. The HOs were developed to have physiological effects in mammals. However, toxic effects were found in both species of fish studied. This raises concerns about possible toxic effects of HOs and what methods will be used for their degradation in the aquatic environment.(AU)

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with higher ischemic risk, which can be mitigated by long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, concomitant high bleeding risk (HBR) may be present, making it unclear whether short- or long-term DAPT should be prioritized. Objectives This study investigated the effects of ischemic (by PCI complexity) and bleeding (by PRECISE-DAPT [PRE dicting bleeding Complications in patients undergoing stent Implantation and Sub sequent Dual Anti Platelet Therapy] score) risks on clinical outcomes and on the impact of DAPT duration after coronary stenting. Methods Complex PCI was defined as ≥3 stents implanted and/or ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation stenting and/or stent length >60 mm, and/or chronic total occlusion revascularization. Ischemic and bleeding outcomes in high (≥25) or non-high (<25) PRECISE-DAPT strata were evaluated based on randomly allocated duration of DAPT. Results Among 14,963 patients from 8 randomized trials, 3,118 underwent complex PCI and experienced a higher rate of ischemic, but not bleeding, events. Long-term DAPT in non-HBR patients reduced ischemic events in both complex (absolute risk difference: −3.86%; 95% confidence interval: −7.71 to +0.06) and noncomplex PCI strata (absolute risk difference: −1.14%; 95% confidence interval: −2.26 to −0.02), but not among HBR patients, regardless of complex PCI features. The bleeding risk according to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction scale was increased by long-term DAPT only in HBR patients, regardless of PCI complexity. Conclusions Patients who underwent complex PCI had a higher risk of ischemic events, but benefitted from long-term DAPT only if HBR features were not present. These data suggested that when concordant, bleeding, more than ischemic risk, should inform decision-making on the duration of DAPT. (AU)

Oral antioxidant therapy for prevention and treatment of preeclampsia: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: To determine whether oral antioxidant therapies, of various types and doses, are able to prevent or treat women with preeclampsia. DATA SYNTHESIS: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, LILACS, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were: a) randomized clinical trials; b) oral antioxidant supplementation; c) study in pregnant women; d) control group, treated or not with placebo. Papers were excluded if they evaluated antioxidant nutrient supplementation associated with other non-antioxidant therapies. Data were extracted and the risk of bias of each study was assessed. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the Cochran Q test, and I2 statistics and pre-specified sensitivity analyses were performed. Meta-analyses were conducted on prevention and treatment studies, separately. The primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia in prevention trials, and of perinatal death in treatment trials. Twenty-nine studies were included in the analysis, 19 for prevention and 10 for treatment. The antioxidants used in these studies were vitamins C and E, selenium, l-arginine, allicin, lycopene and coenzyme Q10, none of which showed beneficial effects on the prevention of preeclampsia (RR: 0.89, CI 95%: [0.79-1.02], P = 0.09; I2 = 39%, P = 0.04) and other outcomes. The antioxidants used in the treatment studies were vitamins C and E, N-acetylcysteine, l-arginine, and resveratrol. A beneficial effect was found in intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant therapy had no effects in the prevention of preeclampsia but did show beneficial effects in intrauterine growth restriction, when used in the treatment of this condition.

Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to cannabinoid receptors activation in mice.

Several works have shown that triterpenes induce peripheral antinociception by activation of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids; besides, several research groups have reported activation of cannabinoid receptors in peripheral antinociception. The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of the cannabinoid system in the antinociceptive effect induced by tingenone against hyperalgesia evoked by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at peripheral level. The paw pressure test was used and the hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of PGE2 (2 µg/paw). All drugs were injected subcutaneously in the hind paws of male Swiss mice. Tingenone (200 µg/paw) administered into the right hind paw induced a local antinociceptive effect, that was antagonized by AM630, a selective antagonist to CB2 cannabinoid receptor. AM251, a selective antagonist to CB1 cannabinoid receptor, did not alter the peripheral antinociceptive effect of tingenone. MAFP, a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor; VDM11, an anandamide reuptake inhibitor; and JZL184, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor did not potentiate the peripheral antinociceptive effect of the lower dose of tingenone (50 µg/paw). The results suggest that tingenone induced a peripheral antinociceptive effect via cannabinoid receptor activation. Therefore, this study suggests a pharmacological potential for a new analgesic drug.

Avaliação hematológica e hemogasométrica de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite ascendente / Hematological and hemogasometric evaluation of foals born from mares with ascending placentitis

A placentite é a principal causa de partos prematuros, aborto e nascimento de potros comprometidos, podendo causar hipóxia e septicemia. A hematologia e a gasometria venosa fornecem informações importantes para o monitoramento da saúde de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os valores hematológicos e hemogasométricos durante as primeiras 24h de vida em potros nascidos de éguas mestiças Crioulas submetidas à indução experimental de placentite, com diferentes graus de maturidade. Foram utilizados 16 potros nascidos de éguas submetidas à indução experimental de placentite, divididos em três grupos de acordo com o grau de maturidade: prematuro (n=8), dismaturo (n=4) e a termo (n=4). Foram realizadas coletas sanguíneas nos momentos 0h, 12h e 24h para realização de hemograma completo e gasometria venosa. No eritrograma, foi observada anemia normocítica normocrômica no grupo prematuro em relação ao grupo dismaturo nas 12h e 24h. O grupo prematuro apresentou menor contagem de leucócitos totais nas 24h em relação ao grupo a termo (P=0,01). Os valores de pH, cHCO3 e SO2 não diferiram entre os grupos, porém os animais prematuros apresentaram acidose respiratória (pH=7,28). A PCO2 nos prematuros foi maior na 0h (P=0,02). Nos três grupos, a PCO2 apresentou uma curva adaptativa com redução dos valores durante as 12h e 24h. Os potros prematuros mostraram menores valores de excesso de base (BE) no nascimento (P=0,02), confirmando o quadro de acidose respiratória. Concluiu-se que as respostas hematológicas e hemogasométricas diferem entre potros com diferentes graus de maturidade. A acidose observada no grupo prematuro ao nascimento, com estabilização e resposta compensatória durante as 12h e 24h, demonstra a necessidade de avaliação hemogasométrica sequencial em potros de risco, o que permite a identificação da resposta clínica ao processo e, assim, auxilia no estabelecimento do tratamento e prognóstico para esses potros.(AU)

The placentitis is a major cause of premature birth, abortion and compromised foal delivery, and may result in hypoxia and sepsis. The blood gas analysis and hematology can provide important information for monitoring the foals born from mares with placentitis, with different degrees of maturity. The aim of this study was to describe the hematological and blood gas values during the first 24 hours of life in foals born from crossbreed mares with experimentally induced placentitis, presenting different degrees of maturity. Sixteen foals, born from mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis were assigned to three groups according to degree of maturity: premature (n=8), dysmature (n=4), and full-term foals (n=4). Blood samples were collected at birth (0), at 12h and 24h, and hematological evaluation and blood gas variables were measured. In the premature group normocytic normochromic anemia was observed compared to dysmature group at 12h and 24h. The premature group showed lower count of white blood cells at 24h relative to the full-term group (p=0.01). The pH, cHCO3 and SO2 values do not differ among the groups; however the premature group showed respiratory acidosis (pH=7,28). The PCO2 was higher at 0h in the premature foals (p=0.02). In all groups, the PCO2 presented an adaptive curve with reduction between 12h and 24h. The premature foals showed lower base excess (BE) values at birth (p=0.02), confirming the respiratory acidosis in this group. We conclude that the hematological and blood gas response differs between foals with different degrees of maturity. Acidosis in the premature foals at birth, with stabilization and compensation of pH value during the first 12-24h demonstrate the necessity of sequential blood gas analysis in risk foals. This may help identify the clinical response to the process and assist in the establishment of adequate treatment and prognosis for these foals.(AU)

Sublingual immunization with the phosphate-binding-protein (PstS) reduces oral colonization by Streptococcus mutans.

Bacterial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a crucial role in the physiology and pathogenicity of different bacterial species. Components of ABC transporters have also been tested as target antigens for the development of vaccines against different bacterial species, such as those belonging to the Streptococcus genus. Streptococcus mutans is the etiological agent of dental caries, and previous studies have demonstrated that deletion of the gene encoding PstS, the substrate-binding component of the phosphate uptake system (Pst), reduced the adherence of the bacteria to abiotic surfaces. In the current study, we generated a recombinant form of the S. mutans PstS protein (rPstS) with preserved structural features, and we evaluated the induction of antibody responses in mice after sublingual mucosal immunization with a formulation containing the recombinant protein and an adjuvant derived from the heat-labile toxin from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Mice immunized with rPstS exhibited systemic and secreted antibody responses, measured by the number of immunoglobulin A-secreting cells in draining lymph nodes. Serum antibodies raised in mice immunized with rPstS interfered with the adhesion of bacteria to the oral cavity of naive mice challenged with S. mutans. Similarly, mice actively immunized with rPstS were partially protected from oral colonization after challenge with the S. mutans NG8 strain. Therefore, our results indicate that S. mutans PstS is a potential target antigen capable of inducing specific and protective antibody responses after sublingual administration. Overall, these observations raise interesting perspectives for the development of vaccines to prevent dental caries.

Responses of estuarine nematodes to an increase in nutrient supply: an in situ continuous addition experiment.

An experiment was carried out on an estuarine mudflat to assess impacts of inorganic nutrients used to fertilize sugar-cane fields on the surrounding aquatic ecosystem, through changes in the nematode community structure. During 118 days, nine quadrats each 4m(2) were sampled six times after the beginning of fertilizer addition. The fertilizer was introduced weekly in six areas, at two different concentrations (low and high doses), and three areas were used as control. The introduction of nutrients modified key nematode community descriptors. In general, the nematodes were negatively affected over the study period. However, Comesa, Metachromadora, Metalinhomoeus, Spirinia and Terschellingia were considered tolerant, and other genera showed different degrees of sensitivity. Nutrient input also affect the availability and quality of food, changing the nematode trophic structure. The use of inorganic fertilizer should be evaluated with care because of the potential for damage to biological communities of coastal aquatic systems.

Regime alimentar para ganho compensatório de ovinos em confinamento: desempenho produtivo e morfometria do rúmen e do intestino delgado / Diet for compensatory gain of feedlot lambs: performance and morphometry of the rumen and small intestine

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do regime alimentar para ganho compensatório sobre o desempenho produtivo, o peso do corpo vazio, o peso dos componentes abióticos, o peso e a proporção do TGI e a morfometria do rúmen e do intestino delgado de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 cordeiros Santa Inês, machos não castrados, alojados em baias individuais. O confinamento foi dividido em dois períodos distintos de 42 dias: um de restrição alimentar, com quatro tratamentos (0, 20, 40 e 60% de restrição), e outro de realimentação, em que todos os animais foram realimentados sem restrição. Ao final do período de confinamento, os cordeiros foram abatidos para mensuração do peso do TGI, do peso dos componentes abióticos e para obtenção dos fragmentos do rúmen e do intestino delgado, os quais foram posteriormente utilizados na confecção das lâminas histológicas usadas para avaliação da morfometria das papilas ruminais e das vilosidades e criptas do intestino (µm). As variáveis relativas ao desempenho, além de peso ao abate, peso do corpo vazio e peso do TGI, diminuíram à medida que se aumentou o nível de restrição prévia. A largura das papilas ruminais diminuiu, variando de 555,7 a 470,3µm; a área das vilosidades do intestino aumentou, variando de 81042,8 a 92033,7µm2. O regime alimentar para ganho compensatório diminuiu o ganho de peso, o peso ao abate, o peso do corpo vazio e o peso do trato gastrintestinal de cordeiros Santa Inês, terminados em confinamento, além de afetar a morfometria das papilas ruminais e das vilosidades do intestino delgado...

The aim was evaluate the effect of diet for compensatory growth on performance, empty weight body, weight of abiotic components, weight and proportion of TGI and morphology of the rumen and small intestine of lambs feedlot. Thus, we used 40 Santa Inês non castrated male lambs, housed in individual pens. The containment was divided into two distinct periods of 42 days: a food restriction, with four treatments (0, 20, 40 and 60% restriction), and a feedback loop, where all the animals were fed again without restriction. At the end of the period of confinement they were slaughtered to measure the weight of TGI, weight and abiotic components for obtaining fragments of the rumen and small intestine, which were subsequently used for the preparation of histological slides used to evaluate the morphology of the papillae rumen and the intestinal villi and crypts (μm). The variables for performance, slaughter weight, empty body weight and weight of TGI decreased as they increased the level of prior restraint. The width of the rumen papillae decreased ranging from 555.7 to 470.3μm; the area of increased intestinal villi ranged from 81042.8 to 92033.7μm2. The diet for compensatory gain decreases weight gain, slaughter weight, empty body weight and the weight of the gastrointestinal tract of Santa Ines lambs, besides affecting the morphology of rumen papillae and villi of the small intestine...

Multi-parametric flow cytometric and genetic investigation of the peripheral B cell compartment in human type 1 diabetes.

The appearance of circulating islet-specific autoantibodies before disease diagnosis is a hallmark of human type 1 diabetes (T1D), and suggests a role for B cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. Alterations in the peripheral B cell compartment have been reported in T1D patients; however, to date, such studies have produced conflicting results and have been limited by sample size. In this study, we have performed a detailed characterization of the B cell compartment in T1D patients (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 46), and assessed the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in purified B cells from the same donors. Overall, we found no evidence for a profound alteration of the B cell compartment or in the production of IL-10 in peripheral blood of T1D patients. We also investigated age-related changes in peripheral B cell subsets and confirmed the sharp decrease with age of transitional CD19(+) CD27(-) CD24(hi) CD38(hi) B cells, a subset that has recently been ascribed a putative regulatory function. Genetic analysis of the B cell compartment revealed evidence for association of the IL2-IL21 T1D locus with IL-10 production by both memory B cells (P = 6·4 × 10(-4) ) and islet-specific CD4(+) T cells (P = 2·9 × 10(-3) ). In contrast to previous reports, we found no evidence for an alteration of the B cell compartment in healthy individuals homozygous for the non-synonymous PTPN22 Trp(620) T1D risk allele (rs2476601; Arg(620) Trp). The IL2-IL21 association we have identified, if confirmed, suggests a novel role for B cells in T1D pathogenesis through the production of IL-10, and reinforces the importance of IL-10 production by autoreactive CD4(+) T cells.

Chromatin changes in papillary thyroid carcinomas may predict patient outcome.

PURPOSE: New insights in prognostic predictions are urgently needed for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The present study aimed to investigate whether computerized analysis of chromatin texture allows the identification of PTC patients with a poor prognosis. METHODS: We randomnly selected paraffin-embedded blocks from surgical specimens of 103 classic cases of PTC. During follow-up, 68 of the patients were classified as free of disease, whereas 35 presented with recurrences. Characteristics of chromatin were obtained from digitized images of at least 100 randomly selected tumor nuclei per patient. An independent series of 30 goiters was used to validate our observations. RESULTS: Stage, age and distant metastases were found to serve as independent prognostic factors for survival. In addition, multivariate Cox regression confirmed variable cluster prominence as an independent prognostic factor. By comparing malignant and benign nodules, we found that the PTC lesions presented with higher nuclear perimeters, nuclear areas, Minkowski fractal dimensions, optical densities and nuclear longest chords. CONCLUSION: From our results we conclude that, in conjunction with clinical and histopathological data, morphometric data may provide relevant prognostic information in PTC patients.

Substituição de milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação / Substitution of corn for crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação. Foram utilizados 80 suínos, machos castrados, híbrido comercial, com média de peso de 67kg, em um experimento em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e oito repetições, com dois animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: 0,0; 4,0; 8,0; 12,0 e 16,0% de glicerina bruta em substituição ao milho nas dietas. A substituição do milho por glicerina bruta não afetou as características de desempenho (P>0,05). Observaram-se efeito linear crescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a espessura de toucinho na carcaça e efeito linear decrescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a perda de líquido no descongelamento e na força de cisalhamento. A glicerina bruta pode substituir em até 16,0% do milho da dieta para suínos em terminação, sem prejuízos do desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, com melhoras na qualidade da carne.

We evaluated the effect of replacing corn with crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs. We used 80 pigs, steers, commercial hybrids, with an average weight of 67kg, in an experiment with a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replicates of two animals per experimental unit. The treatments were 0.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, and 16.0% crude glycerin as a replacement for maize in diets. The substitution of corn with crude glycerin did not affect performance characteristics (P>0.05). We observed an increasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on backfat thickness and decreasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on the loss of fluid in the thawing and shearing force. The crude glycerin can replace up to 16.0% of the corn diet for finishing pigs without loss of performance and carcass yield, with improvements in meat quality.

Repair of dimethacrylate-based composite restorations by a silorane-based composite: a one-year randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical performance of a low-shrinkage silorane-based composite resin when used for repairing conventional dimethacrylate-based composite restorations. BACKGROUND: Despite the continued development of resin-based materials, polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress still require improvement. A silorane-based monomer system was recently made available for dental restorations. This report refers to the use of this material for making repairs and evaluates the clinical performance of this alternative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One operator repaired the defective dimethacrylate-based composite resin restorations that were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: control (n=50) repair with Adper SE Plus (3M/ESPE) and Filtek P60 Posterior Restorative (3M/ESPE), and test (n=50) repair with P90 System Adhesive Self-Etch Primer and Bond (3M/ESPE) and Filtek P90 Low Shrink Posterior Restorative (3M/ESPE). After one week, restorations were finished and polished. Two calibrated examiners (Kw≥0.78) evaluated all repaired restorations, blindly and independently, at baseline and one year. The parameters examined were marginal adaptation, anatomic form, surface roughness, marginal discoloration, postoperative sensitivity, and secondary caries. The restorations were classified as Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie, according to modified US Public Health Service criteria. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Of the 100 restorations repaired in this study, 93 were reexamined at baseline. Dropout from baseline to one-year recall was 11%. No statistically significant differences were found between the materials for all clinical criteria, at baseline or at one-year recall (p>0.05). No statistically significant differences were registered (p>0.05) for each material when compared for all clinical criteria at baseline and at one-year recall. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis tested in this randomized controlled clinical trial was accepted. After the one-year evaluations, the silorane-based composite exhibited a similar performance compared with dimethacrylate-based composite when used to make repairs.