Indirect ELISAs with sucrose subcellular fractions of Neospora caninum as antigens for diagnosis of neosporosis in cattle.

Neosporosis is one of the major causes of abortion in cattle, and it is responsible for significant economic losses in those animals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate indirect ELISA using subcellular fractions of Neospora caninum obtained via sucrose gradient separation. Eighty-five sera from dairy cattle previously tested using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were used. Three distinct bands were separated at 1.0 M, 1.4 M, 1.6 M, and the pellet at 1.8 M, which were identified as fractions one (F1), two (F2), three (F3), and four (F4), respectively. These fractions showed parasite membranes in the F1, rhoptry and conoids in the F2, mitochondria in the F3, and tachyzoite ghosts remain in F4. Indirect ELISAs for IgM, and IgG were performed. Additionally, sensitivity, specificity, and kappa values were defined considering the IFA as the gold standard. The highest and lowest specificities were observed for F1 (76 %) and F3 (16 %), respectively. F2 and F4 showed the highest sensitivity (93.3 %), kappa agreement (0.46), and Negative Preventive Value (NPV) (73 %) respectively. It was possible to standardize indirect ELISAs using whole soluble antigen and subcellular fractions of N. caninum, and F2 and F4 showed higher sensitivity (93.3 %), kappa (0.41), and NPV values (75 %) than F1, and F3, which could be used for epidemiology studies such as screening.

Mentha arvensis oil exhibits repellent acute toxic and antioxidant activities in Nauphoeta cinerea.

Mentha arvensis is an herbaceous plant commonly known as peppermint or Japanese mint. This study investigated the toxic potential and repellent efficacy of M. arvensis essential oil (MaEO) at varying concentrations (15.625-250 mg/mL) in Nauphoeta cinerea, along with its impact on biochemical parameters in N. cinerea. The potential of the major compounds as a new analgesic target was investigated using molecular docking. The essential oil was analyzed by gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the toxic potential, repellent property, and changes in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were evaluated as markers of oxidative stress. GC-MS results revealed that the main components were oxygenated monoterpenes such as menthol (71.31%), mentone (13.34%) and isomentone (5.35%). MaEO significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO), the levels of non-protein thiols and iron(II) at the concentration of 125 mg/mL in N. cinerea. Furthermore, the major components, L-(-)-Menthol and menthone demonstrated high gastrointestinal absorption and high affinity with the target protein, suggesting possible links that contribute to the analgesic effect of MaEO.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil.

Neospora caninum is a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle worldwide as it leads to abortion and animal repositioning. Although Toxoplasma gondii does not cause a reproductive problem in cattle, consuming raw or uncooked beef poses the risk of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in dairy cattle in the West and Northwest regions of São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 653 serum samples from dairy cows were analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Epidemiological data from the farms were associated with the serological results of the animals by logistic regression based on the presence of antibodies. The frequencies of the antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii were 41.6% (272/653) and 11.5% (75/653), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between: the serum anti-N. caninum antibodies and breed, history of food supplementation for calves, introduction of outside animals that later presented reproductive problems, and history of reproductive problems by the trimester of gestation. The present study highlights the importance of neosporosis in dairy cattle in the study regions and that the inclusion of this parasite in the investigation of animals with reproductive disorders is important.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in invasive wild boars (Sus scrofa) and hunting dogs from Brazil.

The wild boar, an impactful invasive species in Brazil, is subject to population control activities, which often include the use of hunting dogs. Hunters commonly consume wild boar meat, which is also used to feed their dogs, posing a risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans and both T. gondii and Neospora caninum for dogs. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection in wild boars (n = 127) and hunting dogs (n = 73) from São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná states. We employed histopathological, serological (indirect fluorescent antibody test), and molecular techniques (endpoint polymerase chain reaction). Histopathology slides of wild boar tissue (central nervous system, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lymph nodes, and thyroid) sections revealed no T. gondii or N. caninum cysts (0/47). Antibodies anti-T. gondii were detected in 35/108 (32.4%) and anti-N. caninum in 45/108 (41.7%) wild boars. Only 2/18 (11.1%) wild boar tissue homogenate samples tested positive for T. gondii on endpoint PCR. Hunting dogs showed antibodies against T. gondii in 62/73 (85%) and against N. caninum in 31/73 (42%). The presence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in wild boars and hunting dogs, along with T. gondii DNA detection in wild boars, indicates the circulation of these parasites. Educating hunters on preventing these foodborne diseases, including zoonotic risks, is crucial.

Quadruped Robot Control: An Approach Using Body Planar Motion Control, Legs Impedance Control and Bézier Curves.

In robotics, the ability of quadruped robots to perform tasks in industrial, mining, and disaster environments has already been demonstrated. To ensure the safe execution of tasks by the robot, meticulous planning of its foot placements and precise leg control are crucial. Traditional motion planning and control methods for quadruped robots often rely on complex models of both the robot itself and its surrounding environment. Establishing these models can be challenging due to their nonlinear nature, often entailing significant computational resources. However, a more simplified approach exists that focuses on the kinematic model of the robot's floating base for motion planning. This streamlined method is easier to implement but also adaptable to simpler hardware configurations. Moreover, integrating impedance control into the leg movements proves advantageous, particularly when traversing uneven terrain. This article presents a novel approach in which a quadruped robot employs impedance control for each leg. It utilizes sixth-degree Bézier curves to generate reference trajectories derived from leg velocities within a planar kinematic model for body control. This scheme effectively guides the robot along predefined paths. The proposed control strategy is implemented using the Robot Operating System (ROS) and is validated through simulations and physical experiments on the Go1 robot. The results of these tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy, enabling the robot to track reference trajectories while showing stable walking and trotting gaits.

Hematological and Biochemical Effects Associated with Prolonged Administration of the NSAID Firocoxib in Adult Healthy Horses.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent one of the most commonly used classes of drugs in both human and veterinary medicine. However, many clinical side effects have been observed, especially when treatment has been prolonged. While the anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety of repeated administration of firocoxib (Previcox®), which is a selective NSAID COX-2 inhibitor, has been evaluated for short-term use (one to fourteen days), its clinical relevance for longer-term use is not known. As a preliminary study, healthy, adult male and female horses (n = 7) were treated with firocoxib for 40 days concomitant with the collection of blood samples encompassing treatment to assess hematological and biochemical endpoints. Daily oral administration of firocoxib was performed with one 57 mg tablet/animal (0.11-0.14 mg/kg), which was crushed and mixed with feed. Blood samples were collected one day before treatment (D0 or basal sample), during (D10, D20, D30, and D40), and after treatment (D55 and D70). Results indicated some hematological and biochemical effects were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) towards the end of treatment on D40 relative to pre-treatment or baseline values on D0. Post-treatment, all values returned to pre-treatment values within 30 days without any apparent clinical adversities. In conclusion, while these preliminary results are favorable for prolonged use of firocoxib in horses, future studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged use accompanied with other clinically relevant endpoints in healthy as well as injured or diseased animals.

Expanding anti-venom strategies: Camelid polyclonal antibodies with high capacity to recognize snake venom.

Camelid immunoglobulins represent a unique facet of antibody biology, challenging conventional understandings of antibody diversification. IgG2 and IgG3 in particular are composed solely of heavy chains and exhibit a reduced molecular weight (90 kDa); their elongated complementarity determining region (CDR) loops play a pivotal role in their functioning, delving deep into enzyme active sites with precision. Serum therapy stands as the primary venom-specific treatment for snakebite envenomation, harnessing purified antibodies available in diverse forms such as whole IgG, monovalent fragment antibody (Fab), or divalent fragment antibody F (ab')2. This investigation looks into the intricacies of IgGs derived from camelid serum previously immunized with crotamine and crotoxin, toxins predominantly in Crotalus durissus venom, exploring their recognition capacity, specificity, and cross-reactivity to snake venoms and its toxins. Initially, IgG purification employed affinity chromatography via protein A and G columns to segregate conventional antibodies (IgG1) from heavy chain antibodies (IgG2 and IgG3) of camelid isotypes sourced from Lama glama serum. Subsequent electrophoretic analysis (SDS-PAGE) revealed distinct bands corresponding to molecular weight profiles of IgG's fractions representing isotypes in Lama glama serum. ELISA cross-reactivity assays demonstrated all three IgG isotypes' ability to recognize the tested venoms. Notably, IgG1 exhibited the lowest interactivity in analyses involving bothropic and crotalic venoms. However, IgG2 and IgG3 displayed notable cross-reactivity, particularly with crotalic venoms and toxins, albeit with exceptions such as PLA2-CB, showing reduced reactivity, and C. atrox, where IgGs exhibited insignificant reactivity. In Western blot assays, IgG2 and IgG3 exhibited recognition of proteins within molecular weight (≈15 kDa) of C. d. collilineatus to C. d. terrificus, with some interaction observed even with bothropic proteins despite lower reactivity. These findings underscore the potential of camelid heavy-chain antibodies, suggesting Lama glama IgGs as prospective candidates for a novel class of serum therapies. However, further investigations are imperative to ascertain their suitability for serum therapy applications.

Essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) reduces infection and proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in BeWo cells with induction of autophagy and death of tachyzoites through a mechanism similar to necrosis.

Toxoplasmosis poses a global health threat, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, potentially fatal manifestations, especially in immunocompromised individuals and congenital transmission. Prior research suggests that oregano essential oil (OEO) exhibits diverse biological effects, including antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii. Given concerns about current treatments, exploring new compounds is important. This study was to assess the toxicity of OEO on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in in vitro infection models and determine its direct action on free tachyzoites. OEO toxicity on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods, determining cytotoxic concentration (CC50), inhibitory concentration (IC50), and selectivity index (SI). Infection and proliferation indices were analyzed. Direct assessments of the parasite included reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, necrosis, and apoptosis, as well as electron microscopy. Oregano oil exhibited low cytotoxicity on BeWo cells (CC50: 114.8 µg/mL ± 0.01) and reduced parasite viability (IC50 12.5 ± 0.06 µg/mL), demonstrating 9.18 times greater selectivity for parasites than BeWo cells. OEO treatment significantly decreased intracellular proliferation in infected cells by 84% after 24 h with 50 µg/mL. Mechanistic investigations revealed increased ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and lipid droplet formation, linked to autophagy induction and plasma membrane permeabilization. These alterations, observed through electron microscopy, suggested a necrotic process confirmed by propidium iodide labeling. OEO treatment demonstrated anti-T. gondii action through cellular and metabolic change while maintaining low toxicity to trophoblastic cells.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild animals can act as intermediate hosts of this pathogen; thus, this study aims to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. For this, 72 wild European brown hares were captured from July 2020 to June 2022 in three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic of Toxoplasma gondii infection was performed by bioassay in mouse, histopathology in Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained tissue sections (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), serology by IFAT, and molecular techniques by conventional PCR and qPCR. The combined prevalence of the different diagnostic methods was 51.4% (37/72, CI= 40.1 - 62.6 %), and there was no statistical difference between sexes, age range, or geographical region of the hosts. Mouse bioassay was the technique that detected more positive hares. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. These animals act as reservoirs and potential infection source for carnivores and other wild and domestic animals, including humans, thus contributing to perpetuate the disease cycle in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul States. Research such as the present study is necessary to raise awareness about the role of animals in the disease cycle.

Syagrus coronata fixed oil prevents rotenone-induced movement disorders and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

One prominent aspect of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the presence of elevated levels of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Syagrus coronata (S. coronata), a palm tree, exhibits antioxidant activity attributed to its phytochemical composition, containing fatty acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The aim of this investigation was to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of S. coronata fixed oil against rotenone-induced toxicity using Drosophila melanogaster. Young Drosophila specimens (3-4 d old) were exposed to a diet supplemented with rotenone (50 µM) for 7 d with and without the inclusion of S. coronata fixed oil (0.2 mg/g diet). Data demonstrated that rotenone exposure resulted in significant locomotor impairment and increased mortality rates in flies. Further, rotenone administration reduced total thiol levels but elevated lipid peroxidation, iron (Fe) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) levels while decreasing the reduced capacity of mitochondria. Concomitant administration of S. coronata exhibited a protective effect against rotenone, as evidenced by a return to control levels of Fe, NO, and total thiols, lowered lipid peroxidation levels, reversed locomotor impairment, and enhanced % cell viability. Molecular docking of the oil lipidic components with antioxidant enzymes showed strong binding affinity to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) enzymes. Overall, treatment with S. coronata fixed oil was found to prevent rotenone-induced movement disorders and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in seabirds collected along the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoans that infect a wide range of animals, including birds. However, the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in tissue samples of seabirds. Tissue samples of the pectoral muscles, heart, and brain were collected from 47 birds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State, SC, Brazil. The DNA was extracted from the tissues and screened using nested-PCR (nPCR) targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues from seven seabirds (7/47, 14.8%), kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) (5/21), and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (2/8). N. caninum DNA was detected in tissues of nine seabirds (9/47, 19.1%), the kelp gull (L. dominicanus) (4/21), Manx shearwater (P. puffinus) (2/8), neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) (1/4), brown booby (Sula leucogaster) (1/5), and white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) (1/1); however, no co-infection was observed. In conclusion, this study showed the circulation of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State. Further studies are required to clarify the role of these birds in the epidemiology of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.

Evaluation of blastocyst re-expansion, quality in relation to storage temperature, and sexing using blastocoel fluid after manual perforation with a hand-held needle involving in vivo produced equine embryos.

The present study was designed to evaluate equine blastocyst re-expansion rate, quality, and sex following perforation of the blastocoel, collection of blastocoel fluid (BF), and PCR amplification of free DNA. Experiment 1 tested the feasibility of the BF sample collection with a hand-held, small-gauged needle (26g) and subsequent PCR amplification of the TSP-Y gene for males and AMEL-Y gene for males and AMEL-X gene for females. Experiment 2 tested the application of the technique. Equine embryos were collected via uterine flushes 8d after ovulation. Thereafter, embryos (n = 19) were initially assessed and transferred to a 50 µL droplet of holding medium in which the blastocoel was manually perforated as in Experiment 1. Within 1 min of detecting a diameter decrease or collapse, the entire volume of each droplet of medium was collected and stored at -20 °C until PCR. In Experiment 1, amplification of the TSP-Y gene was positive for males at 60% (9/15) and negative for females at 40% (6/15). In Experiment 2, a total of 42 embryos were randomly assigned to a collapsed embryo (CE) or intact embryo (IE) groups and stored at room temperature (RT, 25 °C) or cold temperature (CT, 5 °C) for 24h as follows: 1) CERT, n = 11; 2) CECT n = 11; 3) IERT, n = 10; and 4) IECT, n = 10. After 24h, embryo diameter and quality were reassessed. For all collapsed embryos (n = 19), blastocoel fluid was subjected to double PCR amplification of the TSPY gene with blood from adult male and female horses as controls. Positive gene amplification indicated 57.9% (11/19) of embryos were male and negative amplification indicated 31.6% (6/19) of embryos were female. Relative to the least diameter (0%) after perforation of collapsed embryos or fullest diameter (100%) of intact embryos at T0, percentage change in diameter and quality Grade 1 or 2 embryos after 24h of storage for all groups were, respectively: 31.2% and 54% for CERT group, 28.2% and 0% for CECT group, 25.9% and 100% for IERT group, 4.3% and 80% for IECT group, respectively. Thus, needle-induced leakage and collapse of the blastocoel at T0 resulted in a high rate of blastocyst re-expansion (69%) with many embryos (54%) achieving good quality at T24 with potential for transfer as either male or female embryos. For both collapsed and intact embryos, it was observed that storage for 24h at room temperature (25 °C) was associated with improved embryo growth and morphological quality compared to storage at cold temperature (5 °C).

One-Stage Approach to Rehabilitate a Hopeless Tooth in the Maxilla by Means of Immediate Dentoalveolar Restoration: Surgical and Prosthetic Considerations.

Contemporary dentistry has increased the demand for predictable functional and esthetic results in a short period of time without compromising the long-term success of rehabilitation. Recent advances in surgical techniques have provided alternatives that allow the prosthetic rehabilitation of complex implant-supported cases through minimally invasive techniques. In this context, immediate dentoalveolar restoration (IDR) was described aiming at restoring function and esthetics through the reconstruction of lost periodontal tissues followed by immediate implant placement in order to minimize treatment time and surgical morbidity in a one-stage approach. Therefore, the aim of this clinical case is to describe the reconstruction and rehabilitation of a hopeless tooth in the maxillary region in a one-stage approach by means of IDR. The proposed steps to rehabilitate the case involved atraumatic dental extraction, immediate implant placement, and hard tissue augmentation by means of cortical-medullary bone graft harvested from the maxillary tuberosity. Afterwards, a provisional restoration was manufactured and installed to the implant allowing immediate prosthesis provisionalization and function in the same operatory time. Six months after the surgical procedure, the final prosthesis was manufactured and installed. The follow-up of nine years demonstrated the preservation of hard and soft tissue without tissue alteration and a successful esthetic outcome. The surgical protocol used allowed the ideal three-dimensional placement of the implant with the restoration of the bone buccal wall, favoring the esthetic and functional outcome of the case with harmony between white and pink esthetics. In conclusion, the employed treatment validated immediate implant-supported restoration of the missing tooth with high predictability. Furthermore, this protocol resulted in fewer surgical interventions, regeneration, and preservation of peri-implant tissues reaching the patient's expectations.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil / Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para Neospora caninum e Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos leiteiros do Estado de São Paulo

Abstract Neospora caninum is a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle worldwide as it leads to abortion and animal repositioning. Although Toxoplasma gondii does not cause a reproductive problem in cattle, consuming raw or uncooked beef poses the risk of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in dairy cattle in the West and Northwest regions of São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 653 serum samples from dairy cows were analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Epidemiological data from the farms were associated with the serological results of the animals by logistic regression based on the presence of antibodies. The frequencies of the antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii were 41.6% (272/653) and 11.5% (75/653), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between: the serum anti-N. caninum antibodies and breed, history of food supplementation for calves, introduction of outside animals that later presented reproductive problems, and history of reproductive problems by the trimester of gestation. The present study highlights the importance of neosporosis in dairy cattle in the study regions and that the inclusion of this parasite in the investigation of animals with reproductive disorders is important.

Resumo Neospora caninum é uma das principais causas de perda reprodutiva em bovinos em todo o mundo, pois leva ao aborto e ao reposicionamento animal. Embora o Toxoplasma gondii não cause problemas reprodutivos em bovinos, o consumo de carne bovina crua ou não cozida apresenta risco de transmissão. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum e anti-T. gondii em bovinos leiteiros nas regiões Oeste e Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Um total de 653 amostras de soro de bovinos leiteiros, foi analisado utilizando-se o ensaio de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI). Os dados epidemiológicos das propriedades foram associados aos resultados sorológicos dos animais por meio de regressão logística. As frequências dos anticorpos contra N. caninum e T. gondii foram 41,6% (272/653) e 11,5% (75/653), respectivamente. Foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre: soropositividade para N. caninum e raça, histórico de suplementação alimentar para bezerros, introdução de animais externos que, posteriormente, apresentaram problemas reprodutivos e histórico de problemas reprodutivos no segundo trimestre de gestação. O presente estudo destaca a importância da neosporose em bovinos leiteiros, nas regiões de estudo, e a inclusão deste parasita na investigação de animais com distúrbios reprodutivos é fundamental.

Tratamento de queloides e cicatrizes hipertróficas: Uma revisão descritiva / Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: A descriptive review

Queloides e cicatrizes hipertróficas são lesões formadas a partir da resposta fibroproliferativa anormal ao processo de cicatrização de feridas, gerando uma proliferação excessiva do colágeno nas lesões. Geralmente, predominam em pacientes do sexo feminino e em indivíduos com tons de pele mais escuros. A abordagem terapêutica dessas cicatrizes pode ser indicada de acordo com alguns critérios, como déficit funcional, tamanho e tempo de cicatrização da ferida. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão descritiva da literatura, buscando as evidências de tratamento dos últimos cinco anos neste tema. A revisão foi realizada com base no guideline PRISMA, utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science e Grey Literature, entre os anos de 2018 e 2022. Foram encontrados 740 artigos, dos quais 16 ensaios clínicos randomizados foram selecionados. Foi evidenciado que manejo do queloide apresenta abordagem multimodal, não havendo um padrão-ouro de tratamento, com taxa de recorrência baixa. Além disso, a terapia combinada de diferentes agentes pareceu ser superior ao uso isolado de métodos terapêuticos no tratamento dessas lesões.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are lesions formed from the abnormal fibroproliferative response to the wound healing process, generating excessive collagen proliferation in the lesions. They generally predominate in female patients and individuals with darker skin tones. The therapeutic approach to these scars can be indicated according to criteria such as functional deficit, size, and wound healing time. In this sense, the present study aimed to conduct a descriptive review of the literature, seeking evidence of treatment over the last five years. The review was carried out based on the PRISMA guideline, using the databases PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Grey Literature between 2018 and 2022. Seven hundred forty articles were found, of which 16 randomized clinical trials were selected. It was demonstrated that keloid management presents a multimodal approach, with no gold standard of treatment with a low recurrence rate. Furthermore, combined therapy with different agents appeared superior to the isolated therapeutic methods in treating these injuries.

The Brazilian Toxoplasma gondii strain BRI caused greater inflammation and impairment in anxiogenic behavior in mice, which was reverted by rosuvastatin treatment.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on anxiety-related behavior and short- and long-term memory impairment in mice infected with acute RH and BRI strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally and after 2 h, oral treatment with rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg/day) was initiated for 4 days. Behaviors related to anxiety and locomotion were evaluated in the open field (OF), and short- and long-term memory through the novel object recognition test (NOR). At the end of the experiments, peritoneal fluid, brain, liver, and lung were collected for T. gondii DNA quantification and histopathological analysis. Infection with BRI strain reduced the dwell time and central locomotion in the OF (p < 0.05), indicating anxiogenic type behavior, while treatment with rosuvastatin reversed this response (p < 0.05). RH strain infection did not alter any behavior in the OF (p > 0.05) and both strains impaired short- and long-term memory (NOR test), but with no significant treatment effect (p > 0.05). The BRI strain was shown to be more damaging in relation to anxiogenic type behavior when compared to the RH strain (p < 0.05), whereas rosuvastatin reduced this damaging effect in BRI. The treatment reduced the parasite load in the peritoneal lavage, liver, and lung of animals infected with both acute strains; however, it significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the inflammatory process only in BRI-infected and treated animals, showing that non-archetypal genotypes are more damaging in rodents. This suggests that rosuvastatin may be a drug with great therapeutic potential against T. gondii mainly to reduce damage from virulent strains.

Immune targets to stop future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

IMPORTANCE: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 had a major impact across the world. It is true that the collaboration of scientists from all over the world resulted in a rapid response against COVID-19, mainly with the development of vaccines against the disease. However, many viral genetic variants that threaten vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the spike protein in all variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) as well as in the wild-type virus. Such immune targets can be used to fight future SARS-CoV-2 variants.