The effects of feeding sows at onset of farrowing supplemental energy (blend of carbohydrates and glycerol) on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality.

Delivering piglets is one of the most energy-demanding activities sows undergo in their lifetime. Sows can have myometrial contractions from 2 to 12 h before the first piglet is expelled as well as a nest-building behavior. Thus, when the first piglet is delivered, the female has already used part of her energy supply. When the sow gets exhausted due to lack of energy, the farrowing process can be interrupted, causing damage to the viability and vitality of the piglets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of feeding sows an energy supplement at the onset of farrowing on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. The energy supplement consisted of a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol which provides 439 kJ of metabolizable energy per kg of metabolic weight. A total of 180 sows were used. At the onset of farrowing, sows were assigned to one of the following treatments: sows that were not supplied energy at the onset of farrowing, serving as controls (CON, n = 85); sows fed the energy supplement at the onset of farrowing (ESP, n = 95). Farrowing kinetics, blood glucose concentration, and piglet vitality were recorded for each sow. Blood glucose concentration was assessed by puncturing the auricular vein and using a portable glucometer at four different time points: after the birth of the 1st piglet (T0), and at 20 (T20), 40 (T40), 80 (T80), and 180 (T180) min after the birth of the 1st piglet. The vitality of the 1st, 6th, 12th, 17th, and 20th piglet born was evaluated using the Apgar score. Piglet birth weight and average colostrum intake were measured. The farrowing duration was 20 min shorter (P < 0.05) for ESP sows in comparison with CON sows. Sows from ESP treatment had higher (P ≤ 0.05) blood glucose concentration at T20 and T40 compared to the CON sows. The inter-piglet birth interval was shortened (P < 0.05) by 14 min between the 1st and 2nd piglet for the ESP treatment. The 17th and 20th piglets born from ESP sows had higher (P < 0.05) Apgar score compared to piglets of the same birth order from CON sows. Colostrum intake was higher (P < 0.01) for piglets born from ESP sows. Litter growth performance did not differ (P > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol as an energy supplement for farrowing sows improved farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality score.

Inyección intralesional de corticoesteroides como tratamiento conservador del granuloma central de células gigantes: revisión de la literatura / Intralesional corticosteroid injection as a conservative treatment for central giant cell granuloma: a review of the literature

El granuloma central de células gigantes (GCCG) es una lesión benigna intraósea de los maxilares. Tradicionalmente, la cirugía es el tratamiento más utilizado para este tipo de patología, sin embargo, en los últimos años se ha propuesto el uso de inyecciones intra- lesionales de corticoesteroides como alternativa conservadora. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica de los casos tratados con corticoesteroides. Para esto, se utilizó la plataforma de PubMed y Google Scholar para buscar artículos publica- dos entre 1994 y el 2020, relacionados al GCCG y su tratamiento con corticoesteroides. Se encontraron 28 artículos y un resumen con 61 pacientes en total; en la mayoría de los casos se utilizaron inyecciones intralesionales semanales de acetonido de triamcinolona con anestésico durante 6 semanas, aunque se reportaron variantes del protocolo. De los 61 casos, 38 tuvieron una resolución completa y en los demás casos fue necesario realizar tratamiento quirúrgico adicional. Con base en lo anterior, parece que el uso de inyecciones intralesionales de triamcinolona tiene un efecto positivo en el tratamiento del GCCG al permitir una resolución completa de la lesión o una disminución en su tamaño, de manera que la cirugía posterior sea más conservadora.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign intraosseous lesion of the jaws. Traditionally, surgery is the most used treatment for this type of pathology, however, in recent years the use of intralesional corticosteroids injections has been proposed as a conservative alternative. The aim of this study is to carry out a bibliographic review of the cases treated with corticosteroids. The author used PubMed and Google Scholar platforms were used to search for articles published between 1994 and 2020, related to CGCG and its treatment with corticosteroids. The results of this research were 28 articles and one abstract were found with 61 patients in total; in most cases, weekly intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide with anesthetic were used for 6 weeks, although protocol variants were reported. Of the 61 cases, 38 had complete resolution while the other cases required additional surgical treatment. From this, it seems that the use of intralesional triamcinolone injections have a positive effect in the treatment of CGCG by allowing a complete resolution of the lesion or a decrease in its size, so that subsequent surgery is more conservative.

Role of sports psychology and sports nutrition in return to play from musculoskeletal injuries in professional soccer: an interdisciplinary approach.

Musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent in professional soccer and can result in lost training time or match play. It is intuitive that the "return to play" (RTP) pathway will depend, in large part, on the expertise of sports medicine practitioners (e.g. surgeons, physicians, physiotherapists) responsible for player's recovery. Consensus statements on returning athletes to sport following injury acknowledge the contributions of sport psychology and sports nutrition. However, specific consideration on how to integrate these two recognized - but often overlooked components of injury rehabilitation - into existing sport medicine approaches has yet to be examined. Using a framework of milestones directed by the medical physician and physical trainer, the evidence is summarized and suggestions provided on the integration of sports psychology and sports nutrition into an interdisciplinary RTP approach. We examine recovery from a phase approach (acute injury and functional recovery) to highlight interdisciplinary opportunities in the management of musculoskeletal soccer injuries. An interdisciplinary approach is understood to achieve outcomes that could not be achieved within the framework of a single discipline. The incorporation of sports psychology and nutrition theoretically compliment milestones used in current medically-based RTP models. Our hope is that this article serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary practice and research - not only in sports nutrition and sports psychology - but across all sport and exercise disciplines.

Síndrome de Andersen-Tawil con fenotipo sexo-específico: utilidad del test de ejercicio largo / Andersen-Tawil syndrome with sex-specific phenotype: Usefulness of the long exercise test

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Purine Metabolism in Platelets and Heart Cells of Hyperlipidemic Rats.

PURPOSE: Hyperlipidemia, characterized by an increase in circulating lipid levels, doubles the chance of developing cardiovascular diseases. It prompts inflammation, immune activation, and oxidative stress in the bloodstream and organs of rats. Thus, we theorized that the metabolism of purines, an immunomodulatory mechanism, is altered in cells involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Therefore, we induced acute hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats with Poloxamer-407 and euthanized the animals 36 h later. The leucocyte differential, the rate of purine metabolism on the surface of platelets and heart cells, and markers of oxidative stress in the heart tissue were evaluated. These parameters were also assessed in animals pretreated for 30 days with curcumin and/or rutin. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemia increased the hydrolyses of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in platelets. In heart cells, the metabolism of ATP and adenosine (ADO) were increased, while ADP hydrolysis was reduced. Additionally, lipid damage and antioxidant defenses were increased in heart homogenates. Hyperlipidemic rats also exhibited a reduced percentage of eosinophils and lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Together, these findings are indicative of an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in hyperlipidemic rats. The pretreatments with antioxidants reverted some of the changes prompted by hyperlipidemia preventing detrimental changes in the cells and tissues. Graphical Abstract.

Investigation of genetic susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (VDR and IL10 genes) in a population with a high level of substructure in the Brazilian Amazon region.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious and contagious disease that has been very influential in human history and presents high rates of mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of VDR, IL10, and SLC11A1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. METHODS: A total of 135 patients with confirmed TB and 141 healthy individuals were included in the analysis. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. Genotyping of the polymorphisms in the VDR and IL10 genes was performed by real-time PCR, and genotyping of the polymorphisms in the SLC11A1 gene by conventional PCR, followed by visualization in polyacrylamide gel. The genomic ancestry was obtained using an autosomal panel with 48 insertion/deletion ancestry-informative markers. RESULTS: Polymorphisms TaqI (TT, p=0.004), FokI (CC and CC+CT, p=0.012 and p=0.003, respectively), and BsmI (GG, p=0.008) in the VDR gene, as well as A-592C (GC+AG, p=0.001) in the IL10 gene, were significantly associated with susceptibility to TB In addition, high production of VDR combined with low production of IL10 showed protection for the TB group (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The VDR polymorphisms may confer an increased risk and the IL10 haplotype may be a protection factor for the presence of M. tuberculosis infection in the Brazilian population.

Supplying sows energy on the expected day of farrowing improves farrowing kinetics and newborn piglet performance in the first 24 h after birth.

The farrowing process is one of the most energy-demanding activities for the modern hyperprolific sow. This study evaluated the effects of supply of energy on the expected date of farrowing on the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance during the first 24 h after birth. A total of 80 sows were used. The sows and their respective litters were considered as the experimental unit. On the expected day of farrowing, the sows were allocated to one of the following groups: sows that did not have access to feed from farrowing induction until the end of the farrowing process (CON, n = 40); sows fed 500 g of energetic supplement, which consisted of 250 g of the basal lactation diet plus 250 g of cane sugar, 18 h after farrowing induction (SUP, n = 40). The farrowing duration, farrowing assistance, birth interval, number of total born, stillborn and mummified piglets were recorded for each sow. Piglets were weighed individually at birth and 24 h later. The interval from birth to first suckle was evaluated individually for each piglet in 16 randomly selected litters (eight litters per treatment group). Blood glucose concentrations of six sows were measured shortly after expulsion of the first piglet. Farrowing duration, farrowing assistance and stillborn rate tended to be greater (P = 0.06, P = 0.09 and P = 0.07, respectively) in sows from the CON group compared to sows from the SUP group. However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the groups for birth interval. Colostrum intake was greater (P < 0.05) for piglets from the SUP group compared to piglets from the CON group. Additionally, BW gain of the piglets suckling the SUP group was greater (P < 0.05) than those suckling the CON group at 24 h after birth. The blood glucose concentrations during the expulsive stage of farrowing were greater (P < 0.05) in the SUP group than for sows from the CON group. In conclusion, supplying modern hyperprolific sows energy on the expected day of farrowing is a valuable nutritional intervention to improve the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance in early life.

Supplemental progesterone during early pregnancy exerts divergent responses on embryonic characteristics in sows and gilts.

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance; during early pregnancy, P4 stimulates the production and release of uterine secretions necessary for conceptus growth prior to implantation; therefore, exogenous P4 supplementation may improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation during early pregnancy with long-acting injectable progesterone or altrenogest on embryonic characteristics of sows and gilts. Thus, a total of 32 sows and 16 gilts were used. On day 6 of pregnancy sows and gilts were allocated to one of the following groups: non-supplemented; supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from days 6 to 12 of pregnancy; supplemented with 2.15 mg/kg of long-acting injectable progesterone on day 6 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 28 of pregnancy, and ovulation rate, embryo survival, embryo weight, crown-to-rump length, uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial vascularization were assessed. Treatments had no effect on pregnancy rate, embryo survival or endometrial vascular density (P > 0.05). Non-supplemented gilts presented larger and heavier embryos compared to gilts from supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Sows in the altrenogest group presented larger and heavier embryos compared to non-supplemented sows and sows supplemented with long-acting injectable progesterone. In conclusion, supplementation of sows and gilts with progestagen from day 6 of pregnancy can be used as a means to improve embryo survival without deleterious effects.

Absence of seminal plasma from sperm-rich fraction decreases boar sperm quality characteristics during the course of liquid storage.

Seminal plasma (SP), the fluid that surrounds the sperm cells, is known to exert substantial influence on sperm physiology. The SP has a pivotal role in sperm function in vivo, and due to its components, it functions in an ambiguous manner in vitro, simultaneously possessing deleterious and beneficial effects. This experiment aimed to describe the differences between the presence or absence of SP from the sperm-rich fraction on some spermatozoa characteristics (kinetics, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and capacitation-like changes). Furthermore, this experiment focused on distinguishing the effects of SP on the variables evaluated from the effects of centrifugation during SP removal. Total and progressive sperm motility, as well as integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes, were less (P < 0.05) in the absence of SP. Membrane lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and sperm membrane stability (P < 0.05) did not differ among treatments. The SP from the sperm-rich fraction is important for the maintenance of adequate structural and functional characteristics of extended liquid boar semen and should be present in seminal doses throughout storage. Furthermore, the detrimental effect on the variables evaluated was caused solely by the absence of SP and not by the process of removal through centrifugation at 500 x g for 10 min.

Chemical structure and biological properties of sulfated fucan from the sequential extraction of subAntarctic Lessonia sp (Phaeophyceae).

This work is related to the structural characterization of the sulfated polysaccharide from Lessonia sp and the study of its antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. Sequential extraction afforded D-mannitol as the only low MW sugar alcohol. Extraction with 2% CaCl2 afforded in 3.0% yield, a sulfated fucan (SF). Its major fraction (48.5% yield), isolated by ion-exchange chromatography corresponds to a linear polymer of α-l-fucopyranosil residues linked 1→3, sulfated at the O-4 and partially at O-2 positions. By alkaline extraction, sodium alginate (10.3% yield) was obtained. The antioxidant capacity of SF by ESR showed high elimination index (IC50, mg/mL) of hydroxyl (0.27), alkoxy (10.05), and peroxyl (82.88) radicals in relation to commercial mannitol. SF showed activity against the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi parasite (250 µg/mL) and low cytotoxicity in murine cells (367 µg/mL). The elimination capacity of radicals in aqueous medium of SF would allow its potential biomedical application.

The Calibrated Phylogeny of the Drosophila fasciola Subgroup (D. repleta Group Wasserman) Indicates Neogene Diversification of Its Internal Branches.

The species of the Drosophila fasciola subgroup Wasserman represent the dominant section of the Drosophila repleta group Wasserman in the American rainforests and have a broad geographical distribution in the New World. However, despite of its wide range, the D. fasciola subgroup is one of the most overlooked D. repleta subgroups. Here, we report a molecular phylogenetic analysis focused on the D. fasciola subgroup using two mitochondrial [cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII)] and two nuclear [elongation factor-1alpha F1 (EF-alphaF1) and transformer (tra)] genes. Overall, we found that this subgroup is a monophyletic taxon, subdivided into two main internal branches: named Fas1 and Fas2 clades. The diversification of these clades is estimated to have begun in the middle Miocene, around 12 Ma [95% high posterior density (HPD) 9.0-15 Ma], and might be associated with the colonization of South America by Central America populations after the closure of Isthmus of Panama due to the temporal congruence between these events. The terminal branches had their origins estimated to be in the Pliocene or the Plio-Pleistocene transition. For the later estimates, both the geomorphological influences and the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene may have played a role in shaping the diversification of the D. fasciola group.

Seminal plasma arising from the whole boar sperm-rich fraction increases the stability of sperm membrane after thawing.

Boar spermatozoa arising from the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction are reported to have a more stable plasma membrane and are more resistant to cold shock and premature acrosome reaction than spermatozoa from the whole ejaculate. Furthermore, seminal plasma (SP) can increase the cryotolerance of boar spermatozoa, and in other domestic species, it has the ability to reverse cryopreservation damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of boar SP arising from the whole sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SP-SRF) on the integrity, stability, and peroxidation of sperm membranes after thawing. Each ejaculate ( = 24) was divided among 4 treatments: control (CT), centrifuged and suspended in autologous SP-SRF (CS), centrifuged with withdrawn SP-SRF (CW), and post-thawed SP arising from the whole sperm-rich fraction addition to CW (CWSP). After thawing, all treatments were incubated for 5, 60, and 120 min and were analyzed for membrane integrity, fluidity, and peroxidation by flow cytometer. The absence of SP-SRF increased the lipid disorder ( < 0.05) but had no effect on lipid peroxidation ( > 0.05) or membrane integrity ( > 0.05). However, the increase in lipid disorder by withdrawal of SP-SRF was reversed by SP-SRF addition ( < 0.05) to the post-thawing medium, whereas plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity ( > 0.05) and lipid peroxidation ( > 0.05) were unchanged. In conclusion, despite the centrifugation effects, the addition of SP arising from the whole sperm-rich fraction to post-thawed boar semen decreased sperm lipid disorder without an influence of the sperm membrane integrity and peroxidation.

Hypercholesterolemia and Ecto-enzymes of Purinergic System: Effects of Paullinia cupana.

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein and blood cholesterol, causing inflammatory lesion. Purinergic signaling modulates the inflammatory and immune responses through adenine nucleotides and nucleoside. Guaraná has hypocholesterolemic and antiinflammatory properties. Considering that there are few studies demonstrating the effects of guaraná powder on the metabolism of adenine nucleotides, we investigated its effects on the activity of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) and ecto-adenosine deaminase activity in lymphocytes of rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. The rats were divided into hypercholesterolemic and normal diet groups. Each group was subdivided by treatment: saline, guaraná powder 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day and caffeine concentration equivalent to highest dose of guaraná, fed orally for 30 days. An increase in adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis was observed in the lymphocytes of rats with hypercholesterolemia and treated with 25 or 50 mg/kg/day when compared with the other groups. The hypercholesterolemic group treated with the highest concentration of guaraná powder showed decreased ecto-adenosine deaminase activity compared with the normal diet groups. Guaraná was able to reduce the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to basal levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. High concentrations of guaraná associated with a hypercholesterolemic diet are likely to have contributed to the reduction of the inflammatory process.

Ocorrência de Chlamydophila psittaci em pombos (Columba livia) na cidade de Salvador, Bahia / Occurrence of the pigeon Chlamydophila psittaci in pigeons (Columba livia) within the city of Salvador, Bahia

A existência de populações numerosas de pombos (Columba livia) em centros urbanos, em quase todo o mundo, tem se tornado um risco à saúde pública em vista das zoonoses que podem transmitir. A infecção por Chlamydophila psittaci foi avaliada em pombos que frequentam áreas públicas, como praças, ruas e pontos turísticos na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, por meio da PCR em amostras de fezes frescas, suabes cloacais e orofaríngeos. O estudo revelou uma frequência de infecção por C. psittaci de 11,7% (16/137) dos pombos, e oito dos 10 locais pesquisados apresentavam aves infectadas. A detecção de C. psittaci em amostras de cloaca e orofaringe foi maior (15,8% - 3/19) que em amostras de fezes frescas (11% - 13/118). Os resultados demonstram a ocorrência de infecção por C. psittaci em pombos que habitam as áreas públicas da cidade de Salvador e apontam para a necessária elaboração de medidas de controle e monitoramento das populações de pombos urbanos, bem como de ações voltadas à conscientização da sociedade sobre os riscos à saúde pública.

The existence of numerous pigeon (Columba livia) populations in urban centers, in most of the world, has become a public-health risk given the zoonoses they can transmit. Infection with Chlamydophila psittaci was evaluated in pigeons that frequent public areas, such as squares, streets and tourist sites in the city of Salvador, through PCR from fresh feces samples, cloacal swabs and oropharyngeals. The study revealed a frequency of infection with C. psittaci of 11.7% (16/137) in pigeons, and infected birds were found in eight of the ten locales researched. The detection of C. psittaci in samples of cloaca and oropharyngs was greater (15.8% - 3/19) than in the samples of fresh feces (11% - 13/118). The results show the occurrence of infection with C. psittaciem in pigeons that live in public areas in the city of Salvador and points to the necessity of elaborating control and monitoring measures for the populations of urban pigeons as well as developing actions that will raise society´s awareness of these risks to public health.

Cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of ß-glucans against aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage in broiler chicken lymphocytes.

The polysaccharide ß-glucan presents beneficial effects on the immune system, although the mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect remain poorly understood. The potential cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of ß-glucans were evaluated in broiler chicken lymphocytes exposed to increasing concentrations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and/or ß-glucans. AFB1 significantly decreased cell viability at the concentrations of 10 and 20 µg/ml at 72 h of incubation (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, the AFB1 concentrations of 1, 10 and 20 µg/ml increased DNA fragmentation levels at 24 h (p<0.001). Conversely, lymphocyte death was prevented by ß-glucans at the concentrations of 1% and 10%, indicating a cytoprotective effect. Reactive oxygen species levels were increased in the cells treated with 20 µg/ml AFB1 at 24 h (p<0.05) and 10% ß-glucans with or without AFB1 at 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation (p<0.001). DNA damage increased by more than 100% in AFB1-treated lymphocytes when compared to control group. ß-glucans at 1% was able to fully revert the AFB1-induced lymphocyte DNA damage, indicating a genoprotective effect and maintaining DNA integrity. In conclusion, ß-glucans showed in vitro dose-dependent cytoprotective and genoprotective effects in broiler chicken lymphocytes exposed to AFB1.

Risk factors associated with Chlamydia psittaci infection in psittacine birds.

Chlamydia psittaci is the aetiological agent of chlamydiosis in birds, especially Psittaciformes. The objective of the present study was to detect C. psittaci by means of semi-nested PCR among psittacine birds sold at pet markets and kept as pet birds in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Questionnaires were used to identify risk factors involved in the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, the management of birds and cages was observed at each location studied. The frequency of C. psittaci infection was 10.6% (33/311) in the psittacine birds studied. Birds kept in households were less frequently positive (3.4%; 5/148) than those at pet markets (17.2%; 28/163). Among the several factors analysed in the epidemiology of the disease, only population density (P = 0.001) and cage hygiene (P = 0.041) in birds at pet markets were significantly associated with C. psittaci infection. These results demonstrate the presence of C. psittaci infection in Psittaciformes kept as pets and held at pet markets in Salvador, Bahia, showing that this micro-organism is a public health concern. Control measures should be encouraged to prevent the spread of the agent among birds, as well as among employees and customers.