Energy requirement for primiparous Holstein × Gyr crossbred dairy cows.

Our objective was to estimate the requirements of metabolizable energy (ME) and NEM of lactating and dry cows, the efficiency of ME utilization for milk production (kl) and tissue gain (kg), and the use of body energy mobilization for milk production (kt) throughout the lactation of primiparous crossbred Holstein × Gyr cows, using open-circuit respiration chambers. Twenty-nine primiparous Holstein × Gyr crossbred cows with an initial BW averaging 563 ± 40.1 kg and 2.5 ± 0.09 yr old were used throughout lactation and dry periods. The cows were kept nonpregnant throughout the study to eliminate possible confounding factors. Apparent digestibility assays, followed by calorimeter measurements, were performed 6 times throughout the lactation period. In the dry-off period, the cows were also evaluated but fed with restricted intake (DMI = 1.1% BW/d) to achieve heat production close to maintenance. After 21 d of diet adaptation, an apparent digestibility assay followed by calorimeter measurements was performed. Parameter estimates for lactation period were obtained by mixed models including lactation stage as repeated measures. For restricted feeding at dry-off and fasting period assays, the requirements were estimated by exponential regression. For whole lactation, the values of the ME requirement for maintenance (MEM) and NEM were 0.588 and 0.395 MJ/BW0.75, respectively. The efficiencies of kl, kg, and kt were 0.672, 0.771, and 0.814, respectively. However, MEM and NEM were higher in early and mid lactation than late, whereas kl was higher in early than other lactation stages. Dry and nonpregnant cows had MEM of 0.434 MJ/BW0.75 and NEM of 0.351 MJ/BW0.75 for maintenance level, and MEM of 0.396 MJ/BW0.75 and NEM of 0.345 MJ/BW0.75 for fasting metabolism level, and efficiency of ME utilization for maintenance was 0.80. Our findings confirmed that F1 crossbred Holstein × Gyr dairy cows have differences in energy requirement and efficiency throughout the lactation stages, suggesting the use of different values in each stage. The estimated values of energy requirement for maintenance and efficiencies for primiparous lactating crossbred Holstein × Gyr were similar to those reported in the literature in specific studies and requirements systems.

Anatomical variation of the saphenous nerve path: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The saphenous nerve has great importance on the sensitivity of the lower limb. In its normal course, it enters the adductor canal and travels under the sartorius muscle, on the medial side of the thigh. METHODS: The anatomical variation was found accidentally during routine cadaveric dissection of the thigh at the Human Anatomy Laboratory of the Department of Morphophysiology of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais (FCMMG). RESULTS: A different pattern of path of the saphenous nerve was found, which appears to perforate the sartorius muscle. DISCUSSION: Complaints of pain in the lower limbs are highly prevalent in the adult population. Saphenous neuropathy is a pathological entity that is associated with such a clinic and may have compression or trauma as its etiology. In the context of compression, it can be caused due to the unusual nerve path, as described in the present study. In trauma, knowledge of this variation is important to prevent iatrogenic damage to nervous tissue during surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The anatomic variation presented may be related to the symptom of pain in the lower limbs and is also relevant in the surgical context, in order to prevent complications.

Value of treatment by comprehensive stroke services for the reduction of critical gaps in acute stroke care in Europe.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and dependency in Europe and costs the European Union more than €30bn, yet significant gaps in the patient pathway remain and the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive stroke care to meet these needs is unknown. The European Brain Council Value of Treatment Initiative combined patient representatives, stroke experts, neurological societies and literature review to identify unmet needs in the patient pathway according to Rotterdam methodology. The cost-effectiveness of comprehensive stroke services was determined by a Markov model, using UK cost data as an exemplar and efficacy data for prevention of death and dependency from published systematic reviews and trials, expressing effectiveness as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Model outcomes included total costs, total QALYs, incremental costs, incremental QALYs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Key unmet needs in the stroke patient pathway included inadequate treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), access to neurorehabilitation and implementation of comprehensive stroke services. In the Markov model, full implementation of comprehensive stroke services was associated with a 9.8% absolute reduction in risk of death of dependency, at an intervention cost of £9566 versus £6640 for standard care, and long-term care costs of £35 169 per 5.1251 QALYS vs. £32 347.40 per 4.5853 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of £5227.89. Results were robust in one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Implementation of comprehensive stroke services is a cost-effective approach to meet unmet needs in the stroke patient pathway, to improve acute stroke care and support better treatment of AF and access to neurorehabilitation.

Direct detection of Salmonella from poultry samples by DNA isothermal amplification.

1. Salmonellosis is one of the most important diseases in public health and it is usually associated with poultry product consumption. This study aimed to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella spp. from poultry samples. 2. A DNA isothermal amplification method, previously developed for other matrices, was applied for the specific detection of Salmonella spp. from various samples, including poultry tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. A new procedure was validated with Salmonella spp. serotypes and isolates from other enteric bacterial species, as well as naturally contaminated poultry samples. 3. The study demonstrated the successful development and implementation of a procedure, including a DNA isothermal amplification method, for the detection of Salmonella spp. directly from tissues, drag and boot swabs, faeces and feed. The whole procedure can be performed in less than 24 hours and it has been successfully used in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Immune aging in diabetes and its implications in wound healing.

Immune systems have evolved to recognize and eliminate pathogens and damaged cells. In humans, it is estimated to recognize 109 epitopes and natural selection ensures that clonally expanded cells replace unstimulated cells and overall immune cell numbers remain stationary. But, with age, it faces continuous repertoire restriction and concomitant accumulation of primed cells. Changes shaping the aging immune system have bitter consequences because, as inflammatory responses gain intensity and duration, tissue-damaging immunity and inflammatory disease arise. During inflammation, the glycolytic flux cannot cope with increasing ATP demands, limiting the immune response's extent. In diabetes, higher glucose availability stretches the glycolytic limit, dysregulating proteostasis and increasing T-cell expansion. Long-term hyperglycemia exerts an accumulating effect, leading to higher inflammatory cytokine levels and increased cytotoxic mediator secretion upon infection, a phenomenon known as diabetic chronic inflammation. Here we review the etiology of diabetic chronic inflammation and its consequences on wound healing.

Role of fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in predicting neonatal twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) and intertwin difference in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration at birth in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies in order to assess its potential role in the prediction of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies delivered between January 2012 and January 2018. All pregnancies with measurements of MCA-PSV within 7 days prior to delivery and in which neonatal Hb concentration was available were included. The correlation between fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV, expressed in multiples of the median (MoM), and neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration was investigated. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the performance of fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV for predicting intertwin difference in Hb > 90th centile at birth. RESULTS: A total of 154 out of 256 MC twin pregnancies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV MoM correlated positively with neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). The 90th centile for intertwin difference in Hb was 7.25 g/dL. There were 15 (9.7%) cases with a Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth. ROC curve analysis showed a high accuracy of fetal intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference for the prediction of neonatal intertwin Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth (area under the ROC curve, 0.976 (95% CI, 0.935-0.993); P = 0.012). The optimal cut-off for intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference was 0.373, with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% CI, 68.1-99.8%) and a specificity of 95.7% (95% CI, 90.8-98.4%). The positive predictive value was 70% (95% CI, 45.7-88.1%) and the negative predictive value was 99.3% (95% CI, 95.9-100%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that fetal intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference is a good predictor of neonatal intertwin Hb concentration difference > 90th centile and potentially of TAPS. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Molecular detection of Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Heidelberg and Typhimurium directly from pre-enriched poultry samples.

1. Salmonella is one of the most important pathogens in public health and it is usually associated with food-borne diseases. Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are widespread in the world with outbreaks frequently associated with consumption of poultry products; furthermore, there is an increasing public health concern with the wide dissemination of the serovar Heidelberg in poultry flocks. 2. The aim of the experiment was to develop and to validate rapid methods to detect Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg by real-time PCRs and test isolates from pre-enriched poultry samples. 3. Three real-time PCRs were developed and used in combination to detect the serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg. These assays were validated by the analysis of 126 Salmonella isolates, eight other enteric bacterial species and 34 naturally contaminated poultry samples after pre-enrichment with buffered peptone water (BPW). 4. Real-time PCRs detected the isolates of the most important poultry serovars (Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Heidelberg) with 100% inclusivity and exclusivity in each assay. The PCR identified monophasic variants of the serovars Typhimurium and Heidelberg. All PCRs were validated in detecting these specific serovars directly from pre-enriched poultry samples. The whole analytical procedure was performed in less than 24 h in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Proteostasis in epicardial versus subcutaneous adipose tissue in heart failure subjects with and without diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading cause of death and primary cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic population. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) covers the heart's surface and is a source of biomolecules regulating heart and blood vessel physiology. The protective activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy allows the cardiomyocyte reticular network to restore energy and/or nutrient homeostasis and to avoid cell death. However, an excessive or prolonged UPR activation can trigger cell death. UPR activation is an early event of diabetic cardiomyopathies and deregulated autophagy is associated with CVDs. RESULTS: An upregulation of UPR markers (glucose-regulated protein 78 KDa, glucose-regulated protein 94 KDa, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α, protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase and CCAAT/-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) gene) in EAT compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), was observed as well as the UPR-related apoptosis marker caspase-4/procaspase-4 ratio but not in CHOP protein levels. Additionally, levels of ubiquitin and ubiquitinated proteins were decreased in EAT. Moreover, upregulation of autophagy markers (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin, Beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II, lysosome-associated membrane protein 2, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) was observed, as well as an increase in the apoptotic Bim but not the ratio between Bim and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in EAT. Diabetic patients show alterations in UPR activation markers but not in autophagy or apoptosis markers. CONCLUSION: UPR and autophagy are increased in EAT compared to SAT, opening doors to the identification of early biomarkers for cardiomyopathies and novel therapeutic targets.

European Academy of Neurology and European Stroke Organization consensus statement and practical guidance for pre-hospital management of stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The reduction of delay between onset and hospital arrival and adequate pre-hospital care of persons with acute stroke are important for improving the chances of a favourable outcome. The objective is to recommend evidence-based practices for the management of patients with suspected stroke in the pre-hospital setting. METHODS: The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was used to define the key clinical questions. An expert panel then reviewed the literature, established the quality of the evidence, and made recommendations. RESULTS: Despite very low quality of evidence educational campaigns to increase the awareness of immediately calling emergency medical services are strongly recommended. Moderate quality evidence was found to support strong recommendations for the training of emergency medical personnel in recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and in implementation of a pre-hospital 'code stroke' including highest priority dispatch, pre-hospital notification and rapid transfer to the closest 'stroke-ready' centre. Insufficient evidence was found to recommend a pre-hospital stroke scale to predict large vessel occlusion. Despite the very low quality of evidence, restoring normoxia in patients with hypoxia is recommended, and blood pressure lowering drugs and treating hyperglycaemia with insulin should be avoided. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of mobile stroke units delivering intravenous thrombolysis at the scene. Because only feasibility studies have been reported, no recommendations can be provided for pre-hospital telemedicine during ambulance transport. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines inform on the contemporary approach to patients with suspected stroke in the pre-hospital setting. Further studies, preferably randomized controlled trials, are required to examine the impact of particular interventions on quality parameters and outcome.

Incubation media affect the survival, pathway and time of embryo development in Neotropical annual fish Austrolebias nigrofasciatus (Rivulidae).

To analyse the survival, pathway and time of embryo development in the annual fish Austrolebias nigrofasciatus eggs were monitored in four liquid media and two damp media under experimental conditions for 130 days until their development was complete. Eggs kept in the same breeding water from oviposition remained in diapause I (DI) during all experiments. In constrast, up to the stage prior to entering diapause II (DII), the other media had no influence on development. Embryos at this stage (DII), however, show longer development time when treated in medium with water and powdered coconut shell so that about 80% of embryos remained in DII at 100 days. In contrast, all other treatments had a significantly lower proportion of embryos remaining in DII. When treated with Yamamoto's solution in humid media, embryos showed the fastest development. The first fully developed embryos (DIII) were seen at 27 days after oviposition. It took an average of 46-58 days for 50% of eggs in each treatment to reach DIII. Compared with other studies, survival in all incubation media was high at between 70 and 98%. Taken together, it can be concluded that all incubation media were found to be viable for maintaining embryos. Altering developmental trajectories through the manipulation of diapauses in different media makes this species a potential model organism for laboratory studies.

Epileptic manifestations in stroke patients treated with intravenous alteplase.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intravenous alteplase (rtPA) may be associated with seizures and epileptic activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). The aim of this work was to compare the frequency of seizures and EEG abnormalities between stroke patients treated and not treated with rtPA. METHODS: This was a prospective study of consecutive acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients, with 1-year follow-up. Patients were previously independent, had an admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥4, an acute ischaemic lesion and no previous seizures. They received standardized diagnostic and medical care. A video-EEG was performed in 72 h (first EEG); during admission (daily until day 7 and after that if neurological worsening); at discharge and 1 year after stroke. RESULTS: In all, 151 patients (101 treated with rtPA) were included. The frequency of acute and remote symptomatic seizures was not significantly different between rtPA treated and non-treated patients (P = 0.726 and P = 0.748, respectively). Clinical paroxysmal phenomena during rtPA perfusion were observed in five (5%) patients. In the first EEG, rtPA treated patients more often had background diffuse slowing (43.6% vs. 26.0%, P = 0.036). This difference was no longer observed at discharge (24.0% vs. 19.1%, P = 0.517) nor 1 year after (11.8% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.765). No differences were found in the frequency of epileptiform (P = 0.867) or periodic discharges (P = 0.381). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous alteplase is not associated with an increased risk of clinical or electroencephalographic epileptic phenomena.

Human cysticercosis in Portugal: long gone or still contemporary?

Cysticercosis, a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries, has been controlled or eradicated in industrialized countries. This paradigm has recently been challenged, with human neurocysticercosis (NCC) being increasingly diagnosed in these countries. In order to assess the NCC burden in Portugal, a retrospective study on NCC hospitalizations (2006-2013) was conducted based on the national database on hospital morbidity: 357 hospitalized cases were detected. NCC was most frequent in the following age groups: 20-64 years (n = 197, 55·2%) >64 years (n = 111, 31·1%), and <20 years (n = 49, 13·7%). In the Norte and Centro regions cases tended to be older than in the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo Region. The results raise concerns for imported and autochthonous disease, suggesting the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo Region, due to its higher frequency of cases at younger ages, as a priority for research and intervention, and further suggest that NCC should be under surveillance (notifiable). The National Observatory of Cysticercosis and Taeniasis has been established and will define NCC cases as well as monitoring and surveillance.

Language improvement one week after thrombolysis in acute stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Language recovery following acute stroke is difficult to predict due to several evaluation factors and time constraints. We aimed to investigate the predictors of aphasia recovery and to identify the National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale (NIHSS) items that best reflect linguistic performance, 1 week after thrombolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved data from a prospective registry of patients with aphasia secondary to left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Complete recovery at day 7 (D7) was measured in a composite verbal score (CVS) (Σ Language+Questions+Commands NIHSS scores). Lesion size was categorized by the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) and vascular patency by ultrasound. CVS was correlated with standardized aphasia testing if both were performed within a two-day interval. RESULTS: Of 228 patients included (age average 67.32 years, 131 men), 72% presented some language improvement that was complete in 31%. Total recovery was predicted by ASPECTS (OR=1.65; 95% CI, 1.295-2.108; P < 0.00) and baseline aphasia severity (OR=0.439; 95% CI, 0.242-0.796; P < 0.007). CVS correlated better with standardized aphasia measures (aphasia quotient, severity, comprehension) than NIHSS_Language item. CONCLUSIONS: Lesion size and initial aphasia severity are the main predictors of aphasia recovery one week after thrombolysis. A NIHSS composite verbal score seems to capture the global linguistic performance better than the language item alone.

Genetic Diversity in Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Aggregations in Southeastern Brazil.

The Meliponini, also known as stingless bees, are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and plays an essential role in pollinating many wild plants and crops These bees can build nests in cavities of trees or walls, underground or in associations with ants or termites; interestingly, these nests are sometimes found in aggregations. In order to assess the genetic diversity and structure in aggregates of Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Lepeletier), samples of this species were collected from six aggregations and genetically analyzed for eight specific microsatellite loci. We observed in this analysis that the mean genetic diversity value among aggregations was 0.354, and the mean expected and observed heterozygosity values was 0.414 and 0.283, respectively. The statistically significant Fis value indicated an observed heterozygosity lower than the expected heterozygosity in all loci studied resulting in high homozygosis level in these populations. In addition, the low number of private alleles observed reinforces the absence of structuring that is seen in the aggregates. These results can provide relevant information about genetic diversity in aggregations of N. testaceicornis and contribute to the management and conservation of these bees' species that are critical for the pollination process.

In vitro activity of antifungals in combination with essential oils against the oomycete Pythium insidiosum.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum to combinations of the antifungal drugs terbinafine or itraconazole with Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha piperita and Origanum vulgare essential oils (EOs). METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro combinations of antifungal drugs with EOs were evaluated by checkerboard microdilution method against 20 Brazilian isolates of P. insidiosum. The tests were performed according to protocol M38-A2, and the interpretation of each combination result was based on the values of the fractional inhibitory concentration index. The combinations of itraconazole with EOs presented prominent synergistic effects against P. insidiosum isolates, and no antagonism was observed with these combinations. However, the combinations of terbinafine with EOs resulted in indifferent or antagonistic effects. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of plant-derived bioactive compounds with antifungal drugs may be an alternative therapy for the control of infections caused by P. insidiosum. Studies of new therapeutic protocols involving these proposed combinations are needed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The antimicrobial combinations using EOs with terbinafine or itraconazole can be an attractive therapeutic option for controlling P. insidiosum infections.

Short-term tibolone does not interfere with endothelial function: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate the effect of short-term hormone replacement therapy with tibolone 2.5 mg daily on endothelial function of healthy postmenopausal women, using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. A total of 100 healthy postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to receive tibolone (n = 50) or placebo (n = 50) for 28 days. Measurement of the FMD of the brachial artery was performed before and after the use of tibolone and placebo. Results A total of 31 women completed the study in the tibolone group, and 32 women completed the study in the control group. The results of the FMD measurements obtained from the women in the two groups before treatment were similar (0.018 and 0.091, for tibolone and placebo, p = 0.57). The values of the FMD in women who used tibolone and placebo, before and after the treatment, were similar in both groups. The numbers of women who presented an increase in the values of the FMD in both groups were also similar. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the administration of 2.5 mg tibolone to healthy postmenopausal women for 28 days does not promote endothelial-dependent vasodilation, measured by FMD of the brachial artery.

Urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor dysfunctions in female athletes in Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

The pelvic floor (PF) provides support to all pelvic organs, as well as appropriately closure/opening mechanism of the urethra, vagina, and anus. Therefore, it is likely that female athletes involved in high-impact and in strong-effort activities are at risk for the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of UI and other PF dysfunctions (PFD) [anal incontinence (AI), symptoms of constipation, dyspareunia, vaginal laxity, and pelvic organ prolapse] in 67 amateur athletes (AT) compared with a group 96 of nonathletes (NAT). An ad hoc survey based on questions from reliable and valid instruments was developed to investigate the occurrence of PFD symptoms. The risk of UI was higher in AT group (odds ratio: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.50-5.61), mostly among artistic gymnastics and trampoline, followed by swimming and judo athletes. Whereas, AT group reported less straining to evacuate (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22-0.96), manual assistance to defecate (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05-1.12), and a higher stool frequency (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13-0.64) than NAT group. The occurrence of loss of gas and sexual symptoms was high for both groups when compared with literature, although with no statistical difference between them. Pelvic organ prolapse was only reported by nonathletes. Athletes are at higher risk to develop UI, loss of gas, and sexual dysfunctions, either practicing high-impact or strong-effort activities. Thus, pelvic floor must be considered as an entity and addressed as well. Also, women involved in long-term high-impact and strengthening sports should be advised of the impact of such activities on pelvic floor function and offered preventive PFD strategies as well.

Detection of genetically modified maize in processed products, dry grains, and corn ears intended for fresh consumption in South Brazil.

Conventional and genetically modified (GM) maize cultivars have been widely planted in Brazil to produce grains for processed food, feed, or to be consumed fresh as corn ears. This study used real-time PCR to detect GM maize in processed products and fresh commercial corn ears produced in the last two years in South Brazil. Eighteen conventional and GM maize cultivars were obtained from seed production companies and 50 commercial samples (including canned corn, corn flour, dry grains, and fresh corn ears) were purchased in small local stores and supermarkets. All samples were analyzed by real time TaqMan PCR to detect one constitutive maize gene (hmg) and three genetic regions present in GM plants (p-35S promoter, major gene cry 1A.105, and t-Nos terminator). Each commercial sample was classified as conventional or GM based on the PCR results. PCR targeting the hmg gene generated positive results from all DNA samples, which were further tested with the GM targets. These targets were not detected in the five conventional maize cultivars, but were detected in the GM seeds hosting these fragments. Analysis of processed foods identified four cultivars as conventional and six as GM, which were mostly correctly labeled. Seven (53.8%) dry grain samples were classified as conventional, while six (46.2%) were classified as GM. Three (11.1%) corn ear samples were identified as conventional, and the remaining 24 (88.9%) were GM maize. These results demonstrate the high frequency of GM maize in processed products, including fresh corn ears intended for consumption in South Brazil.

Haemodialysis in Diabetic Patients Modulates Inflammatory Cytokine Profile and T Cell Activation Status.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication in patients with diabetes, and most of them need renal replacement therapy such as haemodialysis (HD). These patients have a high tendency to develop infections and exhibit anomalies in the immune system. The objective of this study was to assess the expression of activation-related markers on T cells, as well as to quantify inflammatory cytokines, before and after a single HD session in DN patients. The study involved DN patients under HD treatment who signed an informed consent form. Blood samples before and after one HD session were collected, to analyse the expression of CD25, CD69 and CD71 in T cells. We also quantified IL-12p70, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum samples using the cytometric bead array technique. After the HD session, there was an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio due to significant alterations in both subsets. The relative percentage of CD25+ cells and CD8+ CD25+ increased significantly after the HD session, while the relative percentage of CD69 T cells decreased. There was a significant decrease in the CD25 mean fluorescence intensity values for CD4+ T, as well as in the case of CD71 in T cells after the HD session. Regarding cytokine synthesis, we found a significant increase in IL-10 and IL-6 and a decrease in IL-8 after HD session. This study showed that a HD session in DN patients affects the T cell activation status in the two major subpopulations and differentially modulates the production of inflammatory cytokines.