Effect of the racial group and body condition score at calving on production performance and metabolic profile of buffaloes during the transition period.

This study evaluated the body condition score (BCS) at calving and breed (B) effects on milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites in the transition and early lactation periods of Mediterranean (MED) and Murrah (MUR) buffaloes. Twenty MED and fifteen MUR buffaloes were distributed into four experimental treatments, in a completely randomized design, considering their racial groups and BCS (LBCS = low; HBCS = high): LBCS MED (N = 9); HBCS MED (N = 11); LBCS MUR (N = 8); HBCS MUR (N = 7). Animals were monitored during the last 21 days of gestation and first 56 days postpartum and kept under the same management and feeding conditions. During data collection, milk composition, yield, performance, physiological parameters, hemogram, blood metabolites, and urinary metabolites were evaluated. Higher milk production and fat-corrected milk were observed in MED than MUR buffaloes. Breed effects were observed on body weight, rectal temperature, glucose, urea, calcium (Ca) concentrations, and BCS effects on total protein, albumin, urea, and Ca. There were BCS effects on hematocrit, neutrophils, eosinophils, and interactions between B × BCS for lymphocytes and platelets. There were breed effects on urinary concentrations of chlorine, uric acid, and interactions between weight (W) × B on chlorine and urea. The MED buffaloes can be considered the most prepared to undergo physiological changes, including the BCS value at calving, indicating higher physiological health. Besides, this study demonstrates more considerable preparation for the calving, regardless of the body condition score at calving.

Association between genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the defensin beta 1 gene and persistent apical periodontitis.

AIM: To evaluate the association between the promoter region of defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) genetic polymorphisms and persistent apical periodontitis (PAP) in Brazilian patients. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-three patients with post-treatment PAP (PAP group) and 89 patients with root filled teeth with healed and healthy periradicular tissues (healed group) were included (all teeth had apical periodontitis lesions at the beginning of the treatment). Patients who had undergone at least 1 year of follow-up after root canal treatment were recalled, and their genomic DNA was extracted from saliva. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DEFB1 at the g. -52G>A (rs1799946) and g. -20G>A (rs11362) positions were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The chi-squared test was performed, and the odds ratios were calculated using Epi Info 3.5.2. Logistic regression analysis in the codominant model, using the time of follow-up as a variable, was used to evaluate the SNP-SNP interaction. All tests were performed with an established alpha of 0.05 (P = 0.05). RESULTS: For the rs11362 polymorphism in the codominant and recessive models, patients who carried two copies of the T allele had a significantly lower risk of developing PAP (P = 0.040 and P = 0.031, respectively). For the rs1799946 polymorphism in DEFB1 in the codominant and recessive models, carrying one copy of the T allele significantly increased the risk of developing PAP (P = 0.007 and P = 0.031, respectively). In the logistic regression, both polymorphisms were associated with PAP as well as the SNP-SNP interaction (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in DEFB1 genes were associated with the development of post-treatment persistent apical periodontitis.

Early Cerebrovascular Ultrasonography as a Predictor of Hemorrhagic Transformation After Thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the predictive value of early transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with large artery occlusion (LAO) stroke of carotid circulation, who were submitted to endovascular therapy (EVT) with successful reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study evaluating a cohort of consecutive stroke patients with LAO of the carotid circulation that were recanalyzed with EVT. We measured angle-corrected peak systolic velocities, end-diastolic velocities and mean flow velocities (PSV, EDV and MFV) of the symptomatic and asymptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA). The ratio between MFV of the symptomatic MCA and MFV of the asymptomatic MCA (MCA-Ra) was calculated. Parenchymal hematoma in the 24 hours control CT was considered as ICH. Univariate associations and multivariate analyses were used to identify early independent predictors for ICH among TCCS findings. RESULTS: We included 234 patients, mean age 72.5 (SD 12.6) years, 52.1% male. The mean time between recanalization and TCCS was 12.3 hours (range 3-22). Patients who developed postinterventional ICH showed a higher MCA-Ra (1.02 ± 0.26 vs 1.16 ± 0,21, p = 0.036). In multivariate analysis, only higher MCA-Ra remained independently associated with postinterventional ICH (OR: 6.778, 95%CI: 1.152-39.892, p = 0.034). A value of MCA-Ra ≥ 1,05 was associated with ICH, showing a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 65.9%; the AUC based of the ROC analysis was 0.688 (95% CI 0.570-0.806). CONCLUSION: TCCS performed within the first 24 hours after stroke onset can help to predict hemorrhagic transformation in patients with LAO.

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.

Bacterial microbiome associated with the rhizosphere and root interior of crops in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Rhizosphere and root associated bacteria are key components of plant microbiomes and influence crop production. In sustainable agriculture, it is important to investigate bacteria diversity in various plant species and how edaphic factors influence the bacterial microbiome. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to assess bacterial communities associated with the rhizosphere and root interior of canola, wheat, field pea, and lentil grown at four locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Rhizosphere bacteria communities exhibited distinct profiles among crops and sampling locations. However, each crop was associated with distinct root endophytic bacterial communities, suggesting that crop species may influence the selection of root bacterial microbiome. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the root interior, whereas Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteria were prevalent in the rhizosphere soil. Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas were predominant in the rhizosphere and root interior, whereas Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Rhizobium, Streptomyces, Variovorax, and Xanthomonas were dominant in the root interior of all crops. The relative abundance of specific bacterial groups in the rhizosphere correlated with soil pH and silt and organic matter contents; however, there was no correlation between root endophytes and analyzed soil properties. These results suggest that the root microbiome may be modulated by plant factors rather than soil characteristics.

Quality of Life and Characterization of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis in Portugal: The QUADEP Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quality of life (QOL) of and to characterize patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in Portugal. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with AD and other eczemas. Skindex-29, Skindex-teen, and the Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (CADIS) were the instruments used to assess QOL in adults, teenagers, and children, respectively. The SF-12 was also used, and disease severity was evaluated using the Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) instrument. Associations with QOL were assessed based on the odds ratio (OR). P values <.05 and 95%CIs were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study population comprised 162 participants aged 0.5-74 years. We found that 37.3% of AD patients consider their disease disabling and that more than half of the patients feel stigmatized by society. The mean Skindex score for AD was 39.68, and the impact on QOL was severe in 44%. "Symptoms" was the most affected category in adults. AD was moderate to severe in 87% of the sample. One of the factors that most influenced poorer QOL in AD was age: with increasing age, the Skindex is likely to increase (OR, 1.03; 95%CI, 1.00-1.06). "Considering the disease a disability" was also associated (OR, 6.72; 95%CI, 2.56-17.63). QOL worsens with increasingly affected body area (OR, 1.07; 95%CI, 1.03-1.11) and the presence of edema (OR, 2.0; 95%CI, 1.23-3.40). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide data on QOL in patients with AD in Portugal. Our data show an expected negative impact. More awareness-raising activities are needed to increase knowledge, decrease stigmatization, and, consequently, address the factors involved in the QOL of patients with AD.

Hydrocarbon-degrading genes in root endophytic communities on oil sands reclamation covers.

In response to environmental regulations, the Canadian oil sands industry aims to reclaim all disturbed areas to equivalent land capability prior to mining operations. However, tailing sands used in reclamation contain residual hydrocarbons and plants growing in these areas may rely on hydrocarbon-degrading endophytic bacteria to survive. This study assessed the hydrocarbon-degrading potential (genes: CYP153, alkB and nah) of culturable and unculturable endophytic bacteria associated with annual barley (Hordeum vulgare) and sweet clover (Melilotus albus) plants in an oil sands reclamation area. Our results suggest higher CYP153 gene copy numbers in sweet clover when compared to barley. Yet, no significant differences were detected in 16S rRNA, alkB and nah genes. In addition, total hydrocarbons, pH, total soil carbon, organic carbon and total nitrogen play an important role in determining hydrocarbon-degrading potential in these communities. The assessment of culturable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria revealed 42 isolates (total of 316) that were positive for at least one hydrocarbon-degrading gene. Most of these isolates were positive for alkB, and closely match the database for Pantoea, Pseudomonas and Enterobacter spp. Thus, to improve oil sands reclamation strategies, plant inoculation with select hydrocarbon-degrading endophytes could be used to increase plant tolerance and hydrocarbon degradation in these areas.

Potential use of endophytic root bacteria and host plants to degrade hydrocarbons.

Microbe-assisted phytoremediation depends on competent root-associated microorganisms that enhance remediation efficiency of organic compounds. Endophytic bacteria are a key element of the root microbiome and may assist plant degradation of contaminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of four hydrocarbon-degrading endophytic strains previously isolated from an oil sands reclamation area. Strains EA1-17 (Stenotrophomonas sp.), EA2-30 (Flavobacterium sp.), EA4-40 (Pantoea sp.), and EA6-5 (Pseudomonas sp.) were inoculated in white sweet clover growing on soils amended with diesel at 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 mg·kg-1. Our results indicate that plant growth inhibition caused by diesel fuel toxicity was overcome in inoculated plants, which showed significantly higher plant biomass. Analysis of soil F2 and F3 hydrocarbon fractions also revealed that these soils were remediated by inoculated plants when diesel was applied at 10,000 mg·kg-1 and 20,000 mg·kg-1. In addition, quantification of hydrocarbon-degrading genes suggests that all bacterial strains successfully colonized sweet clover plants. Overall, the endophytic strain EA6-5 (Pseudomonas sp.), which harbored hydrocarbon-degrading genes, was the most effective candidate in phytoremediation experiments and could be a strategy to increase plant tolerance and hydrocarbon degradation in contaminated (e.g., diesel fuel) soils.

Mycobacterium marinum lymphocutaneous infection.

Mycobacterium marinum is a nontuberculous mycobacteria with worldwide distribution that lives in fresh or salt water and is responsible for infections in fish, and sometimes in humans. Human disease consists mainly of cutaneous nodules, but deep structure involvement may also occur. Diagnosis of M. marinum infection remains a challenge, with a considerable time delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. We present a 33-year-old man with no immunosuppressive history who was seen in our department with skin nodules over his hand and forearm, distributed in a sporotrichoid pattern. His hobbies included maintaining an aquarium of tropical fish. Histological examination of the patient's skin biopsy was compatible with the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection, and the Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed acid-fast bacilli. Molecular techniques confirmed the suspicion of M. marinum infection. A necropsy was performed on one of the patient's fish, more specifically, a Poecilia reticulata, and resulted in identification of M. marinum from its gut. The patient was treated with clarithromycin, ethambutol, and rifampicin for 9 months, with clearance of infection.

Effect of supplemental yeast culture and dietary starch content on rumen fermentation and digestion in dairy cows.

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of feeding a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on rumen metabolism and digestibility when cows are fed diets varying in starch content. Four lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were low starch (LS; 23% of diet DM) and no yeast culture (YC; LS-control), LS and 15 g of YC/d (LS-YC), high starch (HS; 29% of diet DM) and no YC (HS-control), and HS and 15 g of YC/d (HS-YC). Periods lasted 28 d, with the last 9 d for data collection. Days 20 to 24 were used to determine production, nutrient flow, and digestibility. On d 25, 3 kg of corn grain DM was placed in the rumen 1 h before the morning feeding, and yields of milk and milk components were measured after the challenge. Blood was sampled -1, 3, 7, and 11 h relative to the morning feeding on d 24 and 25. Rumen pH was measured continuously on d 24 and 25. Rumen papillae were collected on d 24 and 28 to quantify mRNA expression of select genes. Supplementing YC increased yields of milk (26.3 vs. 29.6 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (ECM; 26.5 vs. 30.3 kg/d), fat (0.94 vs. 1.08 kg/d), true protein (0.84 vs. 0.96 kg/d), and ECM/dry matter intake (1.15 vs. 1.30) compared with the control but did not affect dry matter intake (22.6 vs. 22.9 kg/d). Cows fed HS had increased milk true protein percentage (3.18 vs. 3.31%) and yield (0.87 vs. 0.94 kg/d) compared with cows fed LS. Feeding HS-YC increased the proportion of dietary N incorporated into milk true protein from 24.9% in the other 3 treatments to 29.6%. Feeding HS increased the concentration of propionate (21.7 vs. 32.3 mM) and reduced that of NH3-N (8.3 vs. 6.7 mg/dL) in rumen fluid compared with the control, and combining HS with YC in HS-YC tended to increase microbial N synthesis compared with LS-YC (275 vs. 322 g/d). Supplementing YC to cows fed HS reduced plasma haptoglobin and rumen lactate concentrations, increased mean rumen pH, reduced the time with pH <6.0, and prevented the decrease in rumen neutral detergent fiber digestion caused by HS. Cows fed HS had less total-tract digestion of organic matter (73.9 vs. 72.4%) because of reduced acid detergent fiber (57.6 vs. 51.7%) and neutral detergent fiber (60.9 vs. 56.7%) digestibility. Production performance after the challenge was similar to that before the challenge, and YC improved yield of ECM. After the challenge, supplementing YC tended to reduce rumen lactate concentration compared with the control and reduced haptoglobin in cows fed HS. Feeding HS but not YC increased expression in rumen papillae of genes for receptors (FFAR2 and FFAR3) and transporter (SLC16A3) of short-chain fatty acids but did not affect genes involved in transport of Na+/H+ or water or in inflammatory response. Supplementing YC to dairy cows improved lactation performance in diets containing low or high starch, and mechanisms might be partially attributed to improvements in rumen pH, digestion of fiber, microbial N synthesis, and reduction in acute phase response.

Effects of supplementing yeast culture to diets differing in starch content on performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows.

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YC) on lactation performance of cows fed diets differing in starch content. Fifty-six Holstein cows at 42 d postpartum were blocked by parity and milk production and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments, low starch (23% diet DM) and no YC (LS-control), low starch and 15 g/d of YC (LS-YC), high starch (29% diet DM) and no YC (HS-control), and high starch and 15 g/d of YC (HS-YC). The experiment lasted 14 wk. Blood was sampled twice weekly during the first 5 wk in the experiment. Feeding behavior was evaluated in 2 consecutive days when cows were 33 d in the experiment. On d 92 in the experiment, cows were challenged with 3 kg of corn grain DM immediately before the morning feeding. Blood was sampled in the first 12 h after the challenge. Rumen fluid was collected 5 h after the challenge, and pH, ammonia N, short-chain fatty acids, and lactate concentrations were quantified. Lactation performance was measured daily before and after the challenge. Supplementation with YC increased yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk and energy-corrected milk by 2.2 and 2.0 kg/d, and the increments were observed in both low- and high-starch diets. Feeding HS tended to decrease milk fat content (LS = 3.88 vs. HS = 3.73%), but increased concentration (LS = 2.87 vs. HS = 3.00%) and yield (LS = 1.11 vs. HS = 1.20 kg/d) of milk true protein. Feeding YC increased yields of fat and true protein in milk by 100 and 60 g/d. Energy balance, body weight, and feed efficiency did not differ with treatments. Feeding HS reduced eating time (LS = 177 vs. HS = 159 min/12 h) and intermeal interval (LS = 103 vs. HS = 82 min), but tended to increase eating rate (LS = 139 vs. HS = 150 g/min). Interactions were detected between level of starch and YC for ruminating time, meal duration, and meal size because within LS, feeding YC increased ruminating time 23 min/12 h, but reduced meal duration 6 min/meal and meal size 0.7 kg/meal. Concentrations of glucose in plasma increased (LS = 62.1 vs. HS = 63.8 mg/dL), whereas those of urea N decreased (LS = 10.1 vs. HS = 9.4 mg/dL) with feeding HS compared with LS in the first 5 wk in the experiment, and the same responses were observed after the challenge with corn grain. After the challenge, rumen pH was less and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were greater in cows fed HS compared with those fed LS; however, supplementing YC to high-starch diets increased rumen pH (HS-control = 5.72 vs. HS-YC = 6.12) and reduced concentrations of lactate in rumen fluid (HS-control = 7.72 vs. HS-YC = 1.33 mM) and haptoglobin in plasma 28%. Feeding YC improved lactation performance irrespective of the level of dietary starch and reduced the risk of subacute rumen acidosis induced by a grain challenge when cows were fed a high-starch ration.

Ruminal biohydrogenation and abomasal flow of fatty acids in lactating cows fed diets supplemented with soybean oil, whole soybeans, or calcium salts of fatty acids.

Ruminants have a unique metabolism and digestion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Unlike monogastric animals, the fatty acid (FA) profile ingested by ruminants is not the same as that reaching the small intestine. The objective of this study was to evaluate whole raw soybeans (WS) in diets as a replacer for calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) in terms of UFA profile in the abomasal digesta of early- to mid-lactation cows. Eight Holstein cows (80 ± 20 d in milk, 22.9 ± 0.69 kg/d of milk yield, and 580 ± 20 kg of body weight; mean ± standard deviation) with ruminal and abomasal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 22-d periods. The experiment evaluated different fat sources rich in linoleic acid on ruminal kinetics, ruminal fermentation, FA abomasal flow, and milk FA profile of cows assigned to treatment sequences containing a control (CON), with no fat source; soybean oil, added at 2.68% of diet dry matter (DM); WS, addition of WS at 14.3% of diet DM; and CSFA, addition of CSFA at 2.68% of diet DM. Dietary fat supplementation had no effect on nutrient intake and digestibility, with the exception of ether extract. Cows fed fat sources tended to have lower milk fat concentration than those fed CON. In general, diets containing fat sources tended to decrease ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestibility in relation to CON. Cows fed WS had lower ruminal digestibility of DM and higher abomasal flow of DM in comparison to cows fed CSFA. As expected, diets containing fat supplements increased FA abomasal flow of C18:0 and total FA. Cows fed WS tended to present a higher concentration of UFA in milk when compared with those fed CSFA. This study suggests that under some circumstances, abomasal flow of UFA in early lactation cows can be increased by supplementing their diet with fat supplements rich in linoleic acid, regardless of rumen protection, with small effects on ruminal DM digestibility.

Molecular identification of cetaceans from the West Atlantic using the E3-I5 region of COI.

Molecular identification is very useful in cases where morphology-based species identification is not possible. Examples for its application in cetaceans include the identification of carcasses of stranded animals in advanced state of decomposition and body parts that are illegally traded. One DNA region that is often used for molecular identification is the Folmer region of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) (locus 48 to 705 bp). This locus has been used for the identification of several animal species, including whales and dolphins. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of another region of COI, the E3-I5 (locus 685 to locus 1179; 495 bp) as a marker for identification of cetaceans from northeastern Canada and northeastern Brazil. The identification markers were successfully obtained for seven cetacean species after performing percent identity and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analyses. The obtained markers are now publicly available and are useful for the identification of the endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), common minke whale (B. acutorostrata), vulnerable sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), and melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra).

Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus: frequency and associated factors in cats in northeastern Brazil.

Our aims were to determine the frequencies of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in owned and stray cats in the northeastern region of Brazil, ascertain the status of FeLV infection, and investigate potential associated factors among the owned cats. Blood samples from 200 asymptomatic owned cats and 30 stray cats were processed using nested PCR and commercial immunochromatographic tests to diagnose infections. To evaluate the factors associated with FIV and/or FeLV in owned cats, a semi-structured interview was conducted with each owner about the animal's environment, and these data were subjected to unconditional logistic regression. The frequencies for owned cats were 6% (12/200) and 3% (6/200) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. No owned cat was positive for both viruses. Stray cats showed frequencies of 6.66% (2/30) and 0% (0/30) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. Contact with other cats and living in peri-urban areas were considered to be risk factors (P < 0.05) for FIV. We did not identify any factors associated with infections with FeLV. Our results confirm the presence of these two retroviruses in the region under study. Our use of different diagnostic techniques allowed us to determine the frequency of retroviruses in the feline population more accurately, particularly with regard to infections by FeLV, which have complex pathogenesis.

Influence of polymer-coated slow-release urea on total tract apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation and performance of Nellore steers.

OBJECTIVE: Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of coated slow-release urea on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, blood glucose and urea concentration (Exp 1), and average daily gain (ADG; Exp 2) of steers. METHODS: Exp 1: Eight ruminally fistulated steers [503±28.5 kg body weight (BW)] were distributed into a d 4×4 Latin square design and assigned to treatments: control (CON), feed grade urea (U2), polymer-coated slow-release urea A (SRA2), and polymer-coated slow-release urea B (SRB2). Dietary urea sources were set at 20 g/kg DM. Exp 2: 84 steers (350.5±26.5 kg initial BW) were distributed to treatments: CON, FGU at 10 or 20 g/kg diet DM (U1 and U2, respectively), coated SRA2 at 10 or 20 g/kg diet DM (SRA1 and SRA2, respectively), and coated SRB at 10 or 20 g/kg diet DM (SRB1 and SRB2, respectively). RESULTS: Exp 1: Urea treatments (U2+SRA2+SRB2) decreased (7.4%, p = 0.03) the DM intake and increased (11.4%, p<0.01) crude protein digestibility. Coated slow-release urea (SRA2+SRB2) showed similar nutrient digestibility compwared to feed grade urea (FGU). However, steers fed SRB2 had higher (p = 0.02) DM digestibility compared to those fed SRA2. Urea sources did not affect ruminal fermentation when compared to CON. Although, coated slow-release urea showed lower (p = 0.01) concentration of NH3-N (-10.4%) and acetate to propionate ratio than U2. Coated slow-release urea showed lower (p = 0.02) urinary N and blood urea concentration compared to FGU. Exp 2: Urea sources decreased (p = 0.01) the ADG in relation to CON. Animals fed urea sources at 10 g/kg DM showed higher (12.33%, p = 0.01) ADG compared to those fed urea at 20 g/kg DM. CONCLUSION: Feeding urea decreased the nutrient intake without largely affected the nutrient digestibility. In addition, polymer-coated slow-release urea sources decreased ruminal ammonia concentration and increased ruminal propionate production. Urea at 20 g/kg DM, regardless of source, decreased ADG compared both to CON and diets with urea at 10 g/kg DM.

The association between the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial disease that has a strong genetic component. The HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I locus that is associated with immunomodulatory functions, including downregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and induction of immune tolerance. However, there is currently limited information about the involvement of HLA-G in T1D susceptibility. This case-control study aims to investigate the T1D susceptibility association of alleles and genotypes of a widely investigated 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G and to provide further evidence of the frequency distribution of class II HLA-DR-DQ-risk genotypes in T1D children and adolescents in the Brazilian population. The deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype are associated with susceptibility to T1D and the insertion allele and the heterozygous deletion/insertion genotype are associated with protection from T1D. We also confirm that genetic susceptibility to T1D is associated with the DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 haplotypes in Brazilian northeast region. The DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype conferred the highest detected risk for T1D. Our results identify a novel association of the 14-bp deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype with T1D development and provide additional evidence of the importance of HLA class II heterozygous DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype in T1D susceptibility.

Effects of whole flaxseed, raw soybeans, and calcium salts of fatty acids on measures of cellular immune function of transition dairy cows.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental n-3 and n-6 fatty acid (FA) sources on cellular immune function of transition dairy cows. Animals were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 diets: control (n=11); whole flaxseed (n-3 FA source; n=11), 60 and 80g/kg of whole flaxseed [diet dry matter (DM) basis] during pre- and postpartum, respectively; whole raw soybeans (n-6 FA source; n=10), 120 and 160g/kg of whole raw soybeans (diet DM basis) during pre- and postpartum, respectively; and calcium salts of unsaturated FA (Megalac-E, n-6 FA source; n=10), 24 and 32g/kg of calcium salts of unsaturated FA (diet DM basis) during pre- and postpartum, respectively. Supplemental FA did not alter DM intake and milk yield but increased energy balance during the postpartum period. Diets containing n-3 and n-6 FA sources increased phagocytosis capacity of leukocytes and monocytes and phagocytosis activity of monocytes. Furthermore, n-3 FA source increased phagocytic capacity of leukocytes and neutrophils and increased phagocytic activity in monocytes and neutrophils when compared with n-6 FA sources. Supplemental FA effects on adaptive immune system included increased percentage of T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, cells that expressed IL-2 receptors, and CD62 adhesion molecules. The results of this study suggest that unsaturated FA can modulate innate and adaptive cellular immunity and trigger a proinflammatory response. The n-3 FA seems to have a greater effect on phagocytic capacity and activity of leukocytes when compared with n-6 FA.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strain Hardjobovis in the urine of naturally infected cattle in Brazil.

Most epidemiologic studies on bovine leptospirosis are based on serological tests that use antibodies against several serotypes, including the serovar Hardjo, which is widespread and considered to be the most adapted to bovine hosts. However, using only serological studies is not sufficient to identify and distinguish species of leptospires. The aim of this study was report the first isolation in Brazil of two strains serovar Hardjo obtained in urine samples from naturally infected cows in a small Brazilian dairy herd and find the genetic species and consequently the type strain Hardjobovis by molecular characterization. Fifteen dairy cows with a history of reproductive failure, such as abortion and infertility, were selected. Urine samples obtained from each animal were immediately seeded in tubes containing Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris culture medium. The identification of the isolates was performed by Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) technique and phylogenetic analysis of partial sequence of gene sec Y. From the 15 urine samples evaluated, two Leptospira were found and identified as the Londrina 49 and Londrina 54 strains. The MLVA profiles and sequencing of gene sec Y characterized the isolates as L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strain Hadjobovis because it has different genetic pattern of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo strain Hardjoprajitno. Therefore, more studies are needed including isolation and molecular characterization from regional strains to obtain a better knowledge about epidemiology of serovar Hardjo in bovine which may assist in future strategies of prevention and control of bovine leptospirosis.

Optical micro-knot resonator hydrophone.

We present results of what are believed to be the first underwater acoustic sensor using an optical micro-knot resonator. The mechanism involves straining the micro-fibre loop of the knot via an appropriate encapsulation material. The micro-knot sensor exhibited a spectral full-width half-depth of 37.7pm with a Q-factor of 41100 after deconvolution with the source. The shift in wavelength at 1550nm was observed to be around 67pm RMS when exposed to underwater acoustic excitation at 40Hz demonstrating a normalized sensitivity of -288 dB re µPa(-1), or 5.83 fm/Pa.

Nocturnal blood pressure dipping in acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to assess the impact of early nocturnal blood pressure (BP) variation in the functional outcome of patients after an acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included consecutive stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVrtPA) in a tertiary stroke center. BP measurements were performed at regular intervals throughout day and night during the first 48 h after stroke onset, and subjects were divided into four dipping categories (extreme dippers, dippers, non-dippers, and reverse dippers). Recanalization was assessed by transcranial color-coded Doppler and/or angiographic CT. Hemorrhagic transformation was evaluated at 24 h follow-up CT scan. Functional outcome was evaluated at 3 months after stroke using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: A total of 304 patients were included, mean age 72.80 ± 11.10 years. After 24 h of systolic BP monitoring, 30.59% were classified as reverse dippers, 39.14% as non-dippers, 19.10% as dippers, and 11.18% as extreme dippers. Multivariate analysis did not show an independent association of any dipping class with 3-month functional outcome. Hemorrhagic transformation was not uniform between dipping classes: 25.81% for reverse dippers, 14.29% for non-dippers, 15.52% for dippers, and 5.88% for extreme dippers, P = 0.033. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal BP dipping pattern is not associated with functional outcome at 3 months in acute stroke patients treated with IVrtPA. Hemorrhagic transformation was more frequent in reverse dippers.