Exploiting Leishmania-Primed Dendritic Cells as Potential Immunomodulators of Canine Immune Response.

Dendritic cells (DCs) capture pathogens and process antigens, playing a crucial role in activating naïve T cells, bridging the gap between innate and acquired immunity. However, little is known about DC activation when facing Leishmania parasites. Thus, this study investigates in vitro activity of canine peripheral blood-derived DCs (moDCs) exposed to L. infantum and L. amazonensis parasites and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). L. infantum increased toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in synergy with nuclear factor κB activation and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This parasite also induced the expression of class II molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and upregulated co-stimulatory molecule CD86, which, together with the release of chemokine CXCL16, can attract and help in T lymphocyte activation. In contrast, L. amazonensis induced moDCs to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that this parasite can establish a different immune relationship with DCs. EVs promoted moDCs to express class I MHC associated with the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of CXCL16, suggesting that EVs can modulate moDCs to attract cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Thus, these parasites and their EVs can shape DC activation. A detailed understanding of DC activation may open new avenues for the development of advanced leishmaniasis control strategies.

A survey on the orthopedic and functional assessment in a Portuguese population of police working dogs.

BACKGROUND: Working dogs are at an increased risk of developing an orthopedic disease compared to companion dogs. This study aimed to evaluate functional and orthopedic index fitness in a Portuguese population of police working dogs. In an observational, prospective study, information on 165 dogs was collected. The age, sex, breed, specific work, and history of previous diagnosis of orthopedic disease were recorded for each patient. A copy of the Canine Orthopedic Index (COI), Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), and Functional Assessment (FA) was collected for all dogs. COI, HVAS, and FA scores between breeds, work, age, sex, and history of a previous diagnosis of orthopedic disease were compared. Multiple regression was run to predict COI, HVAS, and FA scores from breeds, work, age, sex, and history of orthopedic disease. Correlations between items were determined with Pearson's correlation. A p < 0.05 was set. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 92 males and 73 females, with a mean age of 5.2 ± 3.2 years. Four main dog breeds were represented, 60 Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs, 52 German Shepherd Dogs, 29 Labrador Retrievers, and 14 Dutch Shepherd Dog. A prevalence of diarrhea of 10.6% was determined, with 4% of dogs having liquid diarrhea. German Shepherd Dogs had significantly higher FA scores (p = 0.03). Dogs with a history of previous veterinary assistance due to orthopedic issues had significantly lower HVAS scores and higher scores with all remaining questionnaires (p < 0.01 for all). No differences were found between sexes or specific work. Age and a history of orthopedic disease contributed to the prediction of all scores. FA scores had a good correlation with COI and HVAS. CONCLUSION: This population of police working dogs has a good to excellent level of physical fitness. There was a relationship between increasing age, history of orthopedic disease, and worse scores with all questionnaires. All considered questionnaires could differentiate between animals with a previous history of orthopedic disease and sound dogs.

Management of Osteoarthritis Using 1 Intra-articular Platelet Concentrate Administration in a Canine Osteoarthritis Model.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a significant burden to societies, as it affects quality of life and performance and implies a large cost in terms of health care. Autologous platelets are a regenerative treatment modality for OA that are thought to be a potential stimulation of the natural healing cascade. PURPOSE: To describe the effect of the platelet concentrate V-PET in the management of OA in a naturally occurring canine model, using several outcome assessment modalities. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 40 joints of active working police dogs with hip OA were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) and a platelet concentrate group (PCG; treatment) and evaluated. At treatment day (T0) and 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days after treatment, weight distribution, joint range of motion at flexion and extension, thigh girth, digital thermography, radiographic signs, 4 clinical metrology instruments, and synovial fluid interleukin 1 and C-reactive protein levels were recorded. Results were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance with a Huynh-Feldt correction, paired-samples t test, or Wilcoxon signed rank test, with P < .05. RESULTS: Dogs were 6.5 ± 2.4 years old (mean ± SD) and had a body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. At T0, 32 (80%) joints were graded as having mild OA, 6 (15%) as moderate, and 2 (5%) as severe. No differences were found between groups at T0. Between the PCG and CG, the symmetry index showed significant improvements in the PCG from 8 days (P = .01) to 180 days (P = .01). Joint flexion also improved in the PCG up to 90 days (P < .05) and extension improved up to 180 days (P < .01). Several clinical metrology instrument scores also improved up to 90 to 180 days after treatment. In the CG, radiographic signs progressed, while the PCG showed some improved signs. In both groups, increasing body weight and age corresponded with worse clinical and laboratory findings. CONCLUSION: A single injection of platelet concentrate had a positive effect, lasting up to 6 months, on several clinical, imaging, and laboratory signs in a naturally occurring canine OA model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We characterized the effects of this platelet concentrate in dogs, considered the gold standard of the study of OA, with a group of working animals with similar high demands as athletes.

Thermographic imaging of police working dogs with bilateral naturally occurring hip osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Digital thermal imaging is a physiologic, non-invasive, contactless, and non-radiating diagnostic tool that can assess a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including hip osteoarthritis (HOA). Fifty police working dogs were evaluated to compare the dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (LT) thermographic images in dogs with naturally occurring bilateral HOA. A DV, and left and right lateral LT images were obtained for each animal in six different moments. They were positioned standing in a symmetrical upright position for the DV view. Each image included the area from the last lumbar to the first coccygeal vertebrae. Each LT view was set with the greater trochanter in the centre of the image. Images were taken with a thermographic camera from a distance of 60 cm. Mean and maximal temperatures were recorded, analyzed with ANOVA, dependent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation, with P < 0.05. RESULTS: Nine hundred images were considered, collected from 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.2 years and bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.3 kg. The overall value recorded on the DV view was 25.3º ± 9.1 and 28.4º ± 2.8 on the lateral view. These were significantly different (P < 0.01) and with a low correlation (r = 0.10, P = 0.03). German Shepard dogs showed significantly lower values on all views than other breeds (P < 0.01), and heavier dogs had higher values on the lateral view. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that describes digital thermography's diagnostic use to evaluate working dogs with naturally occurring HOA, comparing two different views. Future studies should address each one's value in the diagnosis and response to treatment of this disease.

A closed-loop process to recover Li and Co compounds and to resynthesize LiCoO2 from spent mobile phone batteries.

In the last decades, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been growing fast to attend the markets of electric and hybrid vehicles and of electric portable devices. As scarce metals like cobalt and lithium are employed in their manufacturing the recycling of spent LIBs is a strategic solution for the sustainability of these minerals and also the maintenance of the LIBs production. Therefore, efforts should be driven to produce low cost, environment-friendly and industrially scalable recycling processes. In this study, a closed-loop process with these characteristics was developed to recover cobalt and lithium compounds from LiCoO2 cathodes of spent cell phone lithium-ion batteries. The process employs citric acid as green leaching agent to recover cobalt as CoC2O4.2H2O and Co3O4 and lithium as Li2CO3. Lithium compound was recovered from a proposed new and original method based on simple chemical procedures as evaporation-calcination and water dissolution. The developed process also allows the resynthesis of LiCoO2 as a stoichiometric, well crystallized and structurally ordered compound from the recovered Co and Li compounds, in a closed-loop recycling process. The obtained results indicate that the developed process has great potential to be scaled up to a recycling industrial plant of spent lithium-ion batteries.

Evaluation of the Effect of Mesotherapy in the Management of Osteoarthritis-Related Pain in a Police Working Dog Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory.

CASE DESCRIPTON: A 9-year-old, 33.4kg (73.63Lb) male entire drug detection Labrador Retriever Dog was presented with an history of constant lameness from the right thoracic limb, aggravated with exercise and work. CLINICAL FIDINGS: Clinical examination revealed mild signs of pain on the manipulation of the elbow joint, with reduced range of motion on the end feel of joint flexion and extension and crepitation. Radiographic examination of the right elbow joint revealed severe, chronic osteoarthritis, with osteophyte formation on the humeral epicondyles and articular margin of the distomedial humerus, with a narrowed joint space, and osteophytes on the proximal radius, proximomedial ulna, and anconeal process. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A solution comprised of a combination of lidocaine, thiocolchicoside, and piroxicam was prepared and applied around the right elbow joint. The animal was rested for 3 days and normal work load was introduced over a 5-day period. The CPBI was completed by the trainer before treatment (T0), 14 days (T1), 1 (T2), 2 (T3), 3 (T4), 4 (T5), 5 (T6), and 6 (T7) months after treatment. Following the mesotherapy session, pain score results consistently declined until the 3-month evaluation moment. At the 6-month follow-up evaluation, values have risen to near baseline values. No side effects were recorded. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mesotherapy produced significant reduction of pain score results, as measure by the CBPI, and may be a promising treatment option for canine osteoarthritis-related pain. Further studies are required.

Otimização dos parâmetros operacionais de eletrocoagulação aplicada à recuperação de efluentes de lavagem de veículos / Optimization of electrocoagulation operating parameters applied to the recovery vehicle washing wastewater

RESUMO No Brasil, cerca de 32.700 postos de lavagem de veículos consomem 3,7 milhões de m3/mês-1, média de 60 L por veículo. Esse consumo poderia ser minimizado, se o efluente fosse devidamente tratado e reutilizado. Como diversos tipos de efluentes têm sido eficientemente tratados por técnicas eletroquímicas, como a eletrocoagulação (EC) e a eletroflotação (EF), o objetivo principal deste estudo foi desenvolver um sistema de tratamento de efluentes de lavagem de carros por EC, usando eletrodos de alumínio. Parâmetros como pH inicial, corrente elétrica aplicada e tempo de eletrólise foram otimizados por meio de análises físico-químicas e estatísticas. Em sua condição ótima, pH 5, corrente elétrica de 3,5 A e tempo de 20 minutos, o sistema conseguiu reduzir em 73% a demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), 58% de surfactantes e no mínimo 90% a turbidez e os sólidos suspensos totais (SST). Além da simples implantação e operação, a técnica mostrou-se eficiente na recuperação desse tipo de efluente, podendo ser utilizada em sistemas de reúso de água de lavagem de veículos.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, about 32,700 vehicle washing stations consume 3,7 million m3 per month-1, average of 60 L per vehicle. Consumption could be minimized if the effluent was properly treated and reused. As different types of effluents have been effectively treated by electrochemical techniques, such as electrocoagulation (EC) and electrocoagulation (EF), the main objective of this study was to develop a treatment system of carwash wastewater, by EC using electrodes aluminum. Parameters like the initial pH, applied electric current and electrolysis time were optimized by means of physical-chemical analysis and statistics. In its optimum condition, pH 5, electrical current of 3,5 A and time of 20 minutes, the system has managed to reduce by 73% the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 58% of surfactants and a minimum of 90% turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS). Besides the simple installation and operation, the technique was efficient in the recovery of this type of effluent and can be used in reuse system carwash water.

Effect of an Oral Joint Supplement When Compared to Carprofen in the Management of Hip Osteoarthritis in Working Dogs.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral joint supplement in working dogs with hip osteoarthritis compared with a positive control group (CG). Fifteen animals were divided in treatment group (TG, n = 10) and CG (n = 5). To TG a commercially available joint supplement, containing glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, and hyaluronic acid was given for 40 days and a 70-day course of a placebo, to be administered as if it was carprofen. The CG received carprofen for 70 days, and a placebo to be administered as the joint supplement. Response to treatment, measured by the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and the Hudson visual analog scale, was evaluated before treatment (T0), after 15 days (T1) and 1 (T2), 2 (T3), 3 (T4), 4 (T5), and 5 (T6) months. With CBPI, no differences were found in pain interference score and pain severity score between TG and CG throughout or when comparing results within groups. Individual results were considered successful in a maximal of three dogs of the TG by T3 (30%) and 1 in CG (25%). With Hudson visual analog scale, improvements where registered with individual results, for 40%-50% of the animals in TG and 60%-80% of cases in CG. The oral joint supplement and carprofen produced some improvements in individual scores but where unable to do so when overall results were considered. Each of these options may not be able, by itself, to fully address the demands of a working dog with joint disease and related pain.

Análise da estrutura de comunidades arbóreas de uma floresta amazônica de Terra Firme aplicada ao manejo florestal / Analysis of the structure of tree communities of a amazonian forest applied to management

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de identificar e descrever a estrutura das comunidades arbóreas de uma floresta de terra firme sob regime de manejo na Amazônia Oriental, localizada no município de Almeirim, Pará, Brasil. O levantamento florístico foi realizado em 1.400,30 ha de uma Unidade de Produção Anual (UPA), do Plano de Manejo Florestal da empresa ORSA Florestal. Todos os indivíduos com DAP > 30 cm foram inventariados, registrando-se 77.834 árvores distribuídas em 57 famílias, 229 gêneros e 556 espécies. Oito comunidades foram identificadas por meio de uma analise de agrupamento, apresentando alta diversidade e equibilidade florística (H" médio = 4,25 e J" médio = 0,75). As comunidades apresentaram 138 espécies comuns, 119 espécies de ocorrência exclusiva e 377 espécies raras, representadas por apenas um indivíduo. As espécies que mais se destacaram foram: Dinizia excelsa, Vouacapoua americana, Goupia glabra, Mouriri brachyanthera, Parinari excelsa, Manilkara bidentada, Tachigalia mymecophyla e Licania micrantha. Algumas espécies de valor comercial apresentaram variações importantes na densidade, sugerindo risco de extinção em comunidades onde as espécies apresentam densidade muito baixa. Sugerimos que os planos de manejo considerem as várias comunidades ecológicas encontradas nas UPAs evitando assim variações significativas, causadas pela exploração e seus impactos, na composição florística e estrutura das comunidades existentes.

To demonstrate the importance of the ecological concept for forest management, the object of this work was to identify and describe the structure of tree communities of a tropical forest under management in the Eastern Amazonia, located in Almeirim municipality, in the state of Pará, Brazil. The floristic survey was undertaken in a terra-firme tropical forest of 1,400.30 hectares. All individuals with DBH > 30 cm were inventoried, registering 77,834 trees distributed in 57 families, 229 genera and 556 species. Eight communities were identified, presenting high diversity and floristic equitability (H" = 4.25 average and J" = 0.75 average). The communities presented 138 common species, 119 species of exclusive occurrence and 377 rare species, represented by only one individual. The most remarkable species found in the area were: Dinizia excelsa, Vouacapoua americana, Goupia glabra, Mouriri brachyanthera, Parinari excelsa, Manilkara bidentada, Tachigali mymecophyla and Licania micrantha. The communities presented significant variations between the averages of the main floristic parameters. Some species of commercial value had important variations in the density, suggesting extinction risk in communities where they present very low density. We suggest that all sustainable forest management plans consider the several ecological communities found in the Annual Production Unit (UPA) thus avoiding significant variations, caused by exploration and their impacts, in the floristic composition and structure of these communities.