Assessment of the impact of conservation measures by modeling soil loss in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.

Prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus after treatment in primary aldosteronism. Results from the SPAIN-ALDO registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus (DM) after targeted treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of PA patients in follow-up at 27 Spanish tertiary hospitals (SPAIN-ALDO Register). RESULTS: Overall, 646 patients with PA were included. At diagnosis, 21.2% (n = 137) had DM and 67% of them had HbA1c levels < 7%. In multivariate analysis, family history of DM (OR 4.00 [1.68-9.53]), the coexistence of dyslipidemia (OR 3.57 [1.51-8.43]) and advanced age (OR 1.04 per year of increase [1.00-1.09]) were identified as independent predictive factors of DM. Diabetic patients were on beta blockers (46.7% (n = 64) vs. 27.5% (n = 140), P < 0.001) and diuretics (51.1% (n = 70) vs. 33.2% (n = 169), p < 0.001) more frequently than non-diabetics. After a median follow-up of 22 months [IQR 7.5-63.0], 6.9% of patients developed DM, with no difference between those undergoing adrenalectomy and those treated medically (HR 1.07 [0.49-2.36], p = 0.866). There was also no significant difference in the evolution of glycemic control between DM patients who underwent surgery and those medically treated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DM affects about one quarter of patients with PA and the risk factors for its development are common to those of the general population. Medical and surgical treatment provides similar benefit in glycemic control in patients with PA and DM.

Assessing optimal frequency for image acquisition in computer vision systems developed to monitor feeding behavior of group-housed Holstein heifers.

Computer vision systems have emerged as a potential tool to monitor the behavior of livestock animals. Such high-throughput systems can generate massive redundant data sets for training and inference, which can lead to higher computational and economic costs. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a computer vision system to individually monitor detailed feeding behaviors of group-housed dairy heifers, and (2) to determine the optimal frequency of image acquisition to perform inference with minimal effect on feeding behavior prediction quality. Eight Holstein heifers (96 ± 6 d old) were housed in a group and a total of 25,214 images (1 image every second) were acquired using 1 RGB camera. A total of 2,209 images were selected and each animal in the image was labeled with its respective identification (1-8). The label was annotated only on animals that were at the feed bunk (head through the feed rail). From the labeled images, 1,392 were randomly selected to train a deep learning algorithm for object detection with YOLOv3 ("You Only Look Once" version 3) and 154 images were used for validation. An independent data set (testing set = 663 out of the 2,209 images) was used to test the algorithm. The average accuracy for identifying individual animals in the testing set was 96.0%, and for each individual heifer from 1 to 8 the accuracy was 99.2, 99.6, 99.2, 99.6, 99.6, 99.2, 99.4, and 99.6%, respectively. After identifying the animals at the feed bunk, we computed the following feeding behavior parameters: number of visits (NV), mean visit duration (MVD), mean interval between visits (MIBV), and feeding time (FT) for each heifer using a data set composed by 8,883 sequential images (1 image every second) from 4 time points. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.39, 0.78, 0.48, and 0.99, and the root mean square error (RMSE) were 12.3 (count), 0.78, 0.63, and 0.31 min for NV, MVD, MIBV, and FT, respectively, considering 1 image every second. When we moved from 1 image per second to 1 image every 5 (MIBV) or 10 (NV, MDV, and FT) s, the R2 observed were 0.55 (NV), 0.74 (MVD), 0.70 (MIBV), and 0.99 (FT); and the RMSE were 2.27 (NV, count), 0.38 min (MVD), 0.22 min (MIBV), and 0.44 min (FT). Our results indicate that computer vision systems can be used to individually identify group-housed Holstein heifers (overall accuracy = 99.4%). Based on individual identification, feeding behavior such as MVD, MIBV, and FT can be monitored with reasonable accuracy and precision. Regardless of the frequency for optimal image acquisition, our results suggested that longer time intervals of image acquisition would reduce data collecting and model inference while maintaining adequate predictive performance. However, we did not find an optimal time interval for all feeding behavior; instead, the optimal frequency of image acquisition is phenotype-specific. Overall, the best R2 and RMSE for NV, MDV, and FT were achieved using 1 image every 10 s, and for MIBV it was achieved using 1 image every 5 s, and in both cases model inference and data storage could be drastically reduced.

Increasing the prepartum dose of rumen-protected choline: Effects on milk production and metabolism in high-producing Holstein dairy cows.

Peripartum rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplementation is beneficial for cow health and production, yet the optimal dose is unknown. In vivo and in vitro supplementation of choline modulates hepatic lipid, glucose, and methyl donor metabolism. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of increasing the dose of prepartum RPC supplementation on milk production and blood biomarkers. Pregnant multiparous Holstein cows (n = 116) were randomly assigned to one of 4 prepartum choline treatments that were fed from -21 d relative to calving (DRTC) until calving. From calving until +21 DRTC, cows were fed diets targeting 0 g/d choline ion (control, CTL) or the recommended dose (15 g/d choline ion; RD) of the same RPC product that they were fed prepartum. The resulting treatments targeted: (1) 0 g/d pre- and postpartum [0.0 ± 0.000 choline ion, percent of dry matter (%DM); CTL]; (2) 15 g/d pre- and postpartum of choline ion from an established product (prepartum: 0.10 ± 0.004 choline ion, %DM; postpartum: 0.05 ± 0.004 choline ion, %DM; ReaShure, Balchem Corp.; RPC1RD▸RD); (3) 15 g/d pre- and postpartum of choline ion from a concentrated RPC prototype (prepartum: 0.09 ± 0.004 choline ion, %DM; postpartum: 0.05 ± 0.003 choline ion, %DM; RPC2, Balchem Corp.; RPC2RD▸RD); or (4) 22 g/d prepartum and 15 g/d postpartum from RPC2 [prepartum: 0.13 ± 0.005 choline ion, %DM; postpartum: 0.05 ± 0.003 choline ion, %DM; high prepartum dose (HD), RPC2HD▸RD]. Treatments were mixed into a total mixed ration, and cows had ad libitum access via a roughage intake control system (Hokofarm Group). From calving to +21 DRTC, all cows were fed a common base diet and treatments were mixed into the total mixed ration (supplementation period, SP). Thereafter, all cows were fed a common diet (0 g/d choline ion) until +100 DRTC (postsupplementation period, postSP). Milk yield was recorded daily and composition analyzed weekly. Blood samples were obtained via tail vessel upon enrollment, approximately every other day from -7 to +21 DRTC, and at +56 and +100 DRTC. Feeding any RPC treatment reduced prepartum dry matter intake compared with CTL. During the SP, no evidence for a treatment effect on energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield was found, but during the postSP, RPC1RD▸RD and RPC2RD▸RD treatments tended to increase ECM, protein, and fat yields. During the postSP, the RPC1RD▸RD and RPC2RD▸RD treatments tended to increase, and RPC2HD▸RD increased, the de novo proportion of total milk fatty acids. During the early lactation SP, RPC2HD▸RD tended to increase plasma fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, and RPC1RD▸RD and RPC2RD▸RD reduced blood urea nitrogen concentrations compared with CTL. The RPC2HD▸RD treatment reduced early lactation serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein compared with CTL. Overall, peripartum RPC supplementation at the recommended dose tended to increase ECM yield postSP, but no evidence was seen of an additional benefit on milk production with an increased prepartum dose of choline ion. The effects of RPC on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers support the potential for RPC supplementation to affect transition cow metabolism and health and may support the production gains observed.

Influence of Mechanical Cycling on Torque Values of Tapped-In and Screw-In Implant-Supported Crowns.

This study investigated the influence of mechanical cycling on screwed-in and tappedin implants restored with screw-retained metallic crowns. Three implant-abutmentcrown systems were evaluated: T1 (multi abutment) and T2 (standard abutment) received tapped-in abutments and S received a screwed-in abutment. The specimens were subjected to two million cycles of 0-150 N load, at 2 Hz, 30° inclination in a dry medium, and torque evaluation. Survival and removal torque were analyzed using chisquare, ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. Differences between installation and removal torque were determined using a T-test for dependent samples. Analyses were performed in SPSS, considering α = 0.05. All specimens survived mechanical cycling in S, 40% in T1, 80% in T2 (p=0.008). Failures occurred due to loosening of the crown screw. A significant decrease in torque (p=0.000) was found. Group T1 had the lowest removal torque (1.6 ± 0.84 N.Cm²), followed by T2 (3 ± 1.49 N.Cm²) and S (6.3 ± 1.16 N. Cm²), and a statistical difference was found between Groups T1 and S. Both types of implantabutment connections were stable and can be considered for rehabilitative treatment, but failure and removal torque were influenced by the design of prosthetic abutment. Crowns were more susceptible to becoming loose in tapped-in systems.

Methods in isolation and characterization of bovine monocytes and macrophages.

Monocytes and macrophages belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system and play important roles in both physiological and pathological processes. The cells belonging to the monocyte/macrophage system are structurally and functionally heterogeneous. Several subsets of monocytes have been previously identified in mammalian blood, generating different subpopulations of macrophages in tissues. Although their distribution and phenotype are similar to their human counterpart, bovine monocytes and macrophages feature differences in both functions and purification procedures. The specific roles that monocytes and macrophages fulfil in several important diseases of bovine species, including among the others tuberculosis and paratuberculosis, brucellosis or the disease related to peripartum, remain still partially elusive. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current knowledge of bovine monocytes and macrophages. We will describe methods for their purification and characterization of their major functions, including chemotaxis, phagocytosis and killing, oxidative burst, apoptosis and necrosis. An overview of the flow cytometry and morphological procedures, including cytology, histology and immunohistochemistry, that are currently utilized to describe monocyte and macrophage main populations and functions is presented as well.

Effect of resistance training combined with ß-glucan ingestion on bone of ovariectomized mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with prebiotic ß-glucan (BG) ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. METHODS: Forty-eight mice were divided into six treatments: SHAM group and five OVX groups treated with saline (SAL), alendronate (ALE) (0.1 mg/kg), BG (62.5 mg/kg), RT (climbing a ladder with load) and the combination of BG + RT. All treatments were performed three times per week for 8 weeks starting 38 days after ovariectomy. RESULTS: OVX effectiveness was confirmed by a reduction in uterus mass (p < 0.05). Femur weight was higher in the SHAM group, followed by the ALE and RT groups with intermediate values and the BG + RT, BG and SAL groups with the lowest values (p < 0.05). The bone mineral density (BMDDEXA) results were higher for the SHAM and RT groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). RT provided similar bone mass and resistance to fracture to ALE and SHAM. We found a similar number of osteocytes in the RT and SHAM groups, which was significantly higher than that found in animals receiving BG (p < 0.05). The BG + RT combination increased calcium bone concentration. CONCLUSION: RT promoted benefits on bone health in the OVX model, which were not complemented by the consumption of BG.

Protective role of Portuguese natural mineral waters on skin aging: in vitro evaluation of anti-senescence and anti-oxidant properties.

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) emerge from the earth as springs and their beneficial therapeutic effect has been empirically recognized in different countries. Portugal has diverse NMW resources that are sought for the relief of different afflictions including dermatological complications. However, there is a lack of scientific validation supporting this empiric knowledge. In this study, we aimed to screen the in vitro bioactivity of Portuguese NMWs with different chemical profiles, namely sulfurous/bicarbonate/sodic (SBS), bicarbonate/magnesium, sulfated/calcic, sulfurous/chlorinated/sodic, sulfurous/bicarbonate/fluoridated/sodic, and chlorinated/sodic, focusing on aging-related skin alterations. Mouse skin fibroblasts and macrophages were exposed to culture medium prepared in different NMWs. Cellular viability was evaluated by MTT assay and etoposide-induced senescence was analyzed through the beta-galactosidase staining kit. Wound healing was investigated by the scratch assay, and phototoxicity/photoprotection after UVA irradiation was evaluated using a neutral red solution. ROS production was quantified using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was analyzed by a commercial kit after lipopolysaccharide exposure. NMWs within the SBS profile demonstrated anti-senescence activity in skin fibroblasts, along with a variable effect on cellular viability. Among the tested NMWs, two decreased cellular senescence and preserved cell viability and were therefore selected for subsequent studies, together with a SBS NMW with therapeutic indications for dermatologic diseases. Overall, the selected NMW promoted wound healing in skin fibroblasts and activated SOD in macrophages, thus suggesting an anti-oxidant effect. None of the NMWs prevented phototoxicity after UV irradiation. Our results shed a light on the anti-aging potential of Portuguese NMW, supporting their putative application in cosmetic or medical products.

Colitis caused by Clostridioides difficile infection in a domestic dog: A case report.

Clostridioides difficile has been identified as one of the primary etiologic agents of nosocomial diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in humans and other mammals associated following broad-spectrum antibiotics use. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil we describe a case of C. difficile infection (CDI) in a 13-year-old male dog.

First report of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, infecting hops, Humulus lupulus, in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2019, during a nematologic survey in Jaboticabal, Brazil, root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita parasitizing hops (Humulus lupulus) was identified with based on morphological characters of adults, esterase phenotypes (n = 16), and molecular analysis. Modified Koch's postulates was carried out and after 90 days, the average total population recovered had different stages of development, with a reproductive factor (RF) of 4.81. This is the first report of H. lupulus as a host of M. incognita in the state of São Paulo and in Brazil.

A systematic review of instruments measuring grief after perinatal loss and factors associated with grief reactions.

OBJECTIVE: Expectant parents who live through perinatal loss experience intense grief, which is not always acknowledged or accepted. A screening tool to detect bereaved parents' grief reactions can guide professionals, including perinatal palliative care teams, to provide follow-up for those in need. This review's goal is to identify and synthesize the international published literature on existent instruments specifically measuring the grieving process after any perinatal loss and to identify factors that could moderate grief reactions. METHOD: Systematic review (PROSPERO # CRD42018092555) with critical synthesis. PUBMED, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases were searched in English language articles using the keywords "perinatal" AND ("grief" OR "bereavement" OR mourning) AND ("scale" OR "questionnaire" OR "measure" OR "assessment") up to May 2018. Eligibility criteria included every study using a measure to assess perinatal grief after all kinds of perinatal losses, including validations and translations to other languages and interventions designed to alleviate grief symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 67 papers met inclusion criteria. Seven instruments measuring perinatal grief published between 1984 and 2002 are described. The Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) was used in 53 of the selected studies. Of those, 39 analyzed factors associated with grief reactions. Six articles used PGS scores to evaluate pre- and post-bereavement interventions. Studies in English language only might have limited the number of articles. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The PGS is the most used standardized measures to assess grief after perinatal loss. All parents living through any kind of perinatal loss should be screened.

Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for genetic generalized epilepsies: a three microRNA panel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs) encompass a group of syndromes of mainly genetic causes, characterized by the involvement of both hemispheres. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with a critical role in the regulation of neuronal biological processes through gene expression modulation. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been shown in epilepsy. Due to their stability in biological fluids like serum, miRNAs have assumed a prominent role in biomarker research. Our aim was to evaluate circulating levels of three miRNAs in GGE patients and assess their putative diagnostic value. METHODS: MiR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 79 GGE patients (47 women, 32 men, 35.1 ± 12.4 years) and 67 healthy individuals (41 women, 26 men, 42.4 ± 10.1 years). Relative expression values were calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic value. MiRNA expression was correlated with clinicopathological features. RESULTS: Serum levels of miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly upregulated in GGE patients relative to controls (3.13 and 6.05, respectively). Combined miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 serum levels performed well as a diagnostic biomarker, discriminating GGE patients from controls with an area under the curve of 0.85, 80% specificity and 73% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 may partake in GGE epileptogenesis. A panel of three circulating miRNAs with potential value as a GGE biomarker is reported for the first time. Novel biomarkers may help to identify new treatment targets and contribute to improved patients' quality of life through earlier diagnosis and a more precise prognosis.

Evaluation of gully development over several years using GIS and fractal analysis: a case study of the Palmital watershed, Minas Gerais (Brazil).

Soil erosion affects agricultural production by reducing the area of rural properties and altering the dynamics of watersheds. Gullies are a complex and irregular type of erosion form that can reach large dimensions, and studying gullies to stabilize erosion processes is a challenge. This study aims to understand their environmental relationships as a basis for future research and to recover land degraded by soil erosion. We combined mapping techniques using geographic information system (GIS) with temporal evolution of land use and fractal dimensions of gullies using FracLac to determine the stability of gullies in a watershed in south Minas Gerais (Brazil). We used R software to apply linear regressions and tested the statistics to verify the compatibility of the model. Environmental characteristics of the watershed contribute to the formation of gullies, but human activities influence the deflagration of these features. The temporal evolution of the land use demonstrated that nearly 50% of the watershed was used as pastures throughout the years, which contributed to soil degradation. The evolution of the fractal dimension showed fluctuations over the years, indicating that the gullies are not stable. The regressions suggest that the vegetation, geology, land use, channel order, and curvature may influence the fractal dimensions of gullies. We concluded that human activity influences the evolution of gullies; the use of techniques such as vegetation measures can contribute to the stabilization of gullies. We also concluded that fractal analysis is an interesting tool for performing environmental evaluations of irregular and complex features, such as gullies.

TGFßi is involved in the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and is dysregulated in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) is a major regulator of cartilage homeostasis and its deregulation has been associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Deregulation of the TGFß pathway in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed to be at the onset of OA. Using a secretome analysis, we identified a member of the TGFß family, TGFß-induced protein (TGFßi or ßIGH3), expressed in MSCs and we investigated its function and regulation during OA. DESIGN: Cartilage, bone, synovium, infrapatellar fat pad and bone marrow-MSCs were isolated from patients with OA or healthy subjects. Chondrogenesis of BM-MSCs was induced by TGFß3 in micropellet culture. Expression of TGFßi was quantified by RT-qPCR, ELISA or immunohistochemistry. Role of TGFßi was investigated in gain and loss of function experiments in BM-MSCs and chondrocytes. RESULTS: TGFßi was up-regulated in early stages of chondrogenesis and its knock-down in BM-MSCs resulted in the down-regulation of mature and hypertrophic chondrocyte markers. It likely occurred through the modulation of adhesion molecules including integrin (ITG)ß1, ITGß5 and N-cadherin. We also showed that TGFßi was upregulated in vitro in a model of OA chondrocytes, and its silencing enhanced the hypertrophic marker type X collagen. In addition, TGFßi was up-regulated in bone and cartilage from OA patients while its expression was reduced in BM-MSCs. Similar findings were observed in a murine model of OA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed a dual role of TGFßi during chondrogenesis and pointed its deregulation in OA joint tissues. Modulating TGFßi in BM-MSCs might be of interest in cartilage regenerative medicine.

Characterization of Clostridioides difficile ribotypes in domestic dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Clostridioides difficile is the major etiologic agent of nosocomial bacterial diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI)involves two cytotoxic enzymes (TcdA, TcdB) that cause colonic epithelial damage, fluid accumulation and enteritis. CDI has been demonstrated in a variety of animal species and some reports have recently raised the importance of wild animals as a reservoir of this pathogen and possible transmission to humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to characterize C. difficile isolates obtained from pet dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 50 faecal samples were obtained from healthy and diarrheic dogs. Five of fifty samples (10%) grew C. difficile. Of those, three belonged to the PCR ribotype 106 (ST 42) and were toxigenic (A+B+). The other two strains belonged to the PCR ribotype 010 (ST 15) and were not toxin producers (A-B-). None of the isolates tested positive for the binary toxin genes. Considering the antimicrobial resistance patterns of all isolates using EUCAST breakpoints, all strains were sensitive to metronidazole and vancomycin. However, two strains (ribotype 106 and ribotype 010), were resistant to clindamycin (≤256 µg/mL). All strains were strong biofilm producers. Our study provides evidence that dogs can act as reservoirs for C. difficile epidemic ribotypes.

Luminescent κ-Carrageenan-Based Electrolytes Containing Neodymium Triflate.

In recent years, the synthesis of polymer electrolyte systems derived from biopolymers for the development of sustainable green electrochemical devices has attracted great attention. Here electrolytes based on the red seaweeds-derived polysaccharide κ-carrageenan (κ-Cg) doped with neodymium triflate (NdTrif3) and glycerol (Gly) were obtained by means of a simple, clean, fast, and low-cost procedure. The aim was to produce near-infrared (NIR)-emitting materials with improved thermal and mechanical properties, and enhanced ionic conductivity. Cg has a particular interest, due to the fact that it is a renewable, cost-effective natural polymer and has the ability of gelling in the presence of certain alkali- and alkaline-earth metal cations, being good candidates as host matrices for accommodating guest cations. The as-synthesised κ-Cg-based membranes are semi-crystalline, reveal essentially a homogeneous texture, and exhibit ionic conductivity values 1⁻2 orders of magnitude higher than those of the κ-Cg matrix. A maximum ionic conductivity was achieved for 50 wt.% Gly/κ-Cg and 20 wt.% NdTrif3/κ-Cg (1.03 × 10-4, 3.03 × 10-4, and 1.69 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 30, 60, and 97 °C, respectively). The NdTrif-based κ-Cg membranes are multi-wavelength emitters from the ultraviolet (UV)/visible to the NIR regions, due to the κ-Cg intrinsic emission and to Nd3+, 4F3/2→4I11/2-9/2.

Neuroprotection and immunomodulation following intraspinal axotomy of motoneurons by treatment with adult mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of spinal cord injury is dependent on neuronal survival, appropriate synaptic circuit preservation, and inflammatory environment management. In this sense, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising tool that can reduce glial reaction and provide trophic factors to lesioned neurons. METHODS: Lewis adult female rats were submitted to a unilateral ventral funiculus cut at the spinal levels L4, L5, and L6. The animals were divided into the following groups: IA (intramedullary axotomy), IA + DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium), IA + FS (fibrin sealant), IA + MSC (106 cells), and IA + FS + MSC (106 cells). Seven days after injury, qPCR (n = 5) was performed to assess gene expression of VEGF, BDNF, iNOS2, arginase-1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-ß. The cellular infiltrate at the lesion site was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IH) for Iba1 (microglia and macrophage marker) and arginase-1. Fourteen days after injury, spinal alpha motor neurons (MNs), evidenced by Nissl staining (n = 5), were counted. For the analysis of astrogliosis in spinal lamina IX and synaptic detachment around lesioned motor neurons (GAP-43-positive cells), anti-GFAP and anti-synaptophysin immunohistochemistry (n = 5) was performed, respectively. Twenty-eight days after IA, the gait of the animals was evaluated by the walking track test (CatWalk; n = 7). RESULTS: The site of injury displayed strong monocyte infiltration, containing arginase-1-expressing macrophages. The FS-treated group showed upregulation of iNOS2, arginase-1, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1ß), and antiinflammatory cytokine (IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13) expression. Thus, FS enhanced early macrophage recruitment and proinflammatory cytokine expression, which accelerated inflammation. Rats treated with MSCs displayed high BDNF-positive immunolabeling, suggesting local delivery of this neurotrophin to lesioned motoneurons. This BDNF expression may have contributed to the increased neuronal survival and synapse preservation and decreased astrogliosis observed 14 days after injury. At 28 days after lesion, gait recovery was significantly improved in MSC-treated animals compared to that in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present data demonstrate that MSC therapy is neuroprotective and, when associated with a FS, shifts the immune response to a proinflammatory profile.

The incidence of bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans.

Laterally bent dorsal fins are rarely observed in free-ranging populations of cetaceans, contrary to captivity, where most killer whale Orcinus orca adult males have laterally collapsed fins. This topic has been poorly explored, and data/information on its occurrence and possible causes are limited. The present study: (i) undertakes a review of the available information on bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans, and updates it with new records, (ii) reports on the proportion of bent fins in different study populations, and (iii) discusses possible causes. An empirical approach based on bibliographic research and compilation of 52 new records collected worldwide resulted in a total of 17 species of cetaceans displaying bent dorsal fins. The species with the highest number of records (64%) and from most locations was O. orca. On average, individuals with bent dorsal fins represent < 1% of their populations, with the exception of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens and O. orca. While line injuries associated with fisheries interactions may be the main cause for P. crassidens, and the vulnerability to health issues caused by the evolutionary enlargement of the fin may be the cause for O. orca adult males, factors contributing to this abnormality for other species are still unclear. The occurrence of bent dorsals could be influenced by a set of variables rather than by a single factor but, irrespective of the cause, it is suggested that it does not directly affect the animals' survivorship. While still rare in nature, this incident is more common (at least 101 known cases) and widespread (geographically and in species diversity) than hypothesized, and is not confined only to animals in captive environments. Investigation into the occurrence of bent fins may be an interesting avenue of research.

Work on a quantum dipole by a single-photon pulse.

Energy transfer from a quantized field to a quantized dipole is investigated. We find that a single photon can transfer energy to a two-level dipole by inducing a dynamic Stark shift, going beyond the well-known absorption and emission processes. A quantum thermodynamical perspective allows us to unravel these two energy transfer mechanisms and to identify the former as a generalized work and the latter as a generalized heat. We show two necessary conditions for the generalized work transfer by a single photon to occur, namely, off-resonance and finite linewidth of the pulse. We also show that the generalized work performed by a single-photon pulse equals the reactive (dispersive) contribution of the work performed by a semiclassical pulse in the low-excitation regime.