Memory changes in patients with hippocampal sclerosis submitted to surgery to treat mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

PURPOSE: This study was performed with the purpose of analysing the relationship between epileptological and surgical variables and post-operative memory performance, following surgery for refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS). METHODS: Logical memory (LM) and visual memory (VM) scores for immediate and late follow-up of 201 patients operated for MTLE/HS were reviewed. Scores were standardized with a control group of 54 healthy individuals matched for age and education. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was calculated to verify individual memory changes for late LM and VM scores. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out with the RCI, using LM and VM scores as well as the clinical variables. RESULTS: A total of 112 (56%) patients had right HS. The RCI of the right HS group demonstrated that 6 (7%) patients showed improvement while 5 (6%) patients showed decreased scores in late LM; for late VM, 7 (8%) patients presented improvement, and 2 (3%) patients showed poorer scores. RCI of the left HS group showed that 3 (3%) individuals showed improved scores, while scores of 5 (4%) patients worsened for late LM; for late VM, 3 (3%) patients presented higher scores and 6 (5%) showed lower scores. Left HS and advanced age at onset of the first epileptic seizure were predictors of late LM loss (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Left MTLE/HS and seizure onset at advanced ages were predictive factors for the worsening of late LM. We observed poorer baseline LM function in the left HS group and improvement of LM in some patients who had resection of the right MTL. Patients in the right HS group showed a higher percentage of reliable post-operative improvement for both VM and LM scores.

Interactions among sucrose and concentrations of serum fetal bovine on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis.

BACKGROUND: The synergistic action among the different extracellular cryoprotectants could improve somatic cell quality after thawing and provide bases for the formation of biobanks for red-rumped agoutis. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the interactions among sucrose (SUC) and concentrations of serum fetal bovine (FBS) on the cryopreservation of somatic cells derived from red-rumped agoutis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cryopreserved with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of FBS (10%, 40%, and 90%) with or without 0.2 M SUC, totaling six comparison groups. Non-cryopreserved cells were used as a control. Cells were evaluated for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis levels. RESULTS: No difference was observed among cryopreserved with DMSO containing (10FBS, 10FBS-SUC, 40FBS, 40FBS-SUC, 90FBS, 90FBS-SUC) and non-cryopreserved groups for viability, metabolic activity, proliferative activity, and ROS levels. Interestingly, only cells cryopreserved with 90% FBS and SUC maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential like the control. This indicates that at high concentrations of FBS, SUC contributes to the maintenance of this parameter in cryopreserved cells. Moreover, at concentrations of 10% and 40% of FBS, SUC contributed to the maintenance of viability evaluated by the levels of apoptosis evaluated after thawing. In summary, we verified that 90% FBS and 0.2 M SUC promote greater ability of cells after thawing. Additionally, SUC positively acts in cryopreservation solutions containing 10% and 40% FBS. CONCLUSION: This information is essential to an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interactions of extracellular cryoprotectants in somatic cell cryopreservation solutions of red-rumped agoutis. DOI: 10.54680/fr23210110212.

Oral paracoccidioidomycosis: a retrospective study of 95 cases from a single center and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The ecoepidemiological panorama of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is dynamic and still ongoing in Brazil. In particular, data about the oral lesions of PCM are barely explored. The aim of this study was to report the clinicopathological features of individuals diagnosed with oral PCM lesions at an oral and maxillofacial pathology service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the light of a literature review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on oral biopsies obtained from 1958 to 2021. Additionally, electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, and Brazilian Library of Dentistry to gather information from large case series of oral PCM. RESULTS: Ninety-five cases of oral PCM were surveyed. The manifestations were more frequent among males (n=86/90.5%), middle-aged/older adults (n=54/58.7%), and white individuals (n=40/51.9%). The most commonly affected sites were the gingiva/alveolar ridge (n=40/23.4%) and lip/labial commissure (n=33/19.3%); however, one (n=40/42.1%) or multiple sites (n=55/57.9%) could also be affected. In 90 (94.7%) patients, "mulberry-like" ulcerations/moriform appearance were observed. Data from 21 studies (1,333 cases), mostly Brazilian (90.5%), revealed that men (92.4%; male/female: 11.8:1) and individuals in the fifth and sixth decades of life were the most affected (range: 7-89 years), with the gingiva/alveolar ridge, palate, and lips/labial commissure being the sites most frequently affected. CONCLUSIONS: The features of oral PCM lesions are similar to those reported in previous studies from Latin America. Clinicians should be aware of the oral manifestations of PCM, with emphasis on the clinicodemographic aspects and differential diagnoses, especially considering the phenomenon of the emergence of reported cases in rural and/or urban areas of Brazil.

A health survey of the reef forming scleractinian cold-water corals Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata in a remote submarine canyon on the European continental margin, NE Atlantic.

Monitoring of cold-water corals (CWCs) for pathogens and diseases is limited due to the environment, protected nature of the corals and their habitat and as well as the challenging and sampling effort required. It is recognised that environmental factors such as temperature and pH can expedite the ability of pathogens to cause diseases in cold-water corals therefore the characterisation of pathogen diversity, prevalence and associated pathologies is essential. The present study combined histology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic techniques to screen for two significant pathogen groups (bacteria of the genus Vibrio and the protozoan Haplosporidia) in the dominant NE Atlantic deep-water framework corals Lophelia pertusa (13 colonies) and Madrepora oculata (2 colonies) at three sampling locations (canyon head, south branch and the flank) in the Porcupine Bank Canyon (PBC), NE Atlantic. One M. oculata colony and four L. pertusa colonies were collected from both the canyon flank and the south branch whilst five L. pertusa colonies were collected from the canyon head. No pathogens were detected in the M. oculata samples. Neither histology nor PCR detected Vibrio spp. in L. pertusa, although Illumina technology used in this study to profile the CWCs microbiome, detected V. shilonii (0.03%) in a single L. pertusa individual, from the canyon head, that had also been screened in this study. A macroborer was observed at a prevalence of 0.07% at the canyon head only. Rickettsiales-like organisms (RLOs) were visualised with an overall prevalence of 40% and with a low intensity of 1 to 4 (RLO) colonies per individual polyp by histology. L. pertusa from the PBC canyon head had an RLO prevalence of 13.3% with the highest detection of 26.7% recorded in the south branch corals. Similarly, unidentified cells observed in L. pertusa from the south branch (20%) were more common than those observed in L. pertusa from the canyon head (6.7%). No RLOs or unidentified cells were observed in corals from the flank. Mean particulate organic matter concentration is highest in the south branch (2,612 µg l-1) followed by the canyon head (1,065 µg l-1) and lowest at the canyon flank (494 µg l-1). Although the route of pathogen entry and the impact of RLO infection on L. pertusa is unclear, particulate availability and the feeding strategies employed by the scleractinian corals may be influencing their exposure to pathogens. The absence of a pathogen in M. oculata may be attributed to the smaller number of colonies screened or the narrower diet in M. oculata compared to the unrestricted diet exhibited in L. pertusa, if ingestion is a route of entry for pathogen groups. The findings of this study also shed some light on how environmental conditions experienced by deep sea organisms and their life strategies may be limiting pathogen diversity and prevalence.

Constructing evidence-based clinical intrapartum care algorithms for decision-support tools.

AIM: To describe standardised iterative methods used by a multidisciplinary group to develop evidence-based clinical intrapartum care algorithms for the management of uneventful and complicated labours. POPULATION: Singleton, term pregnancies considered to be at low risk of developing complications at admission to the birthing facility. SETTING: Health facilities in low- and middle-income countries. SEARCH STRATEGY: Literature reviews were conducted to identify standardised methods for algorithm development and examples from other fields, and evidence and guidelines for intrapartum care. Searches for different algorithm topics were last updated between January and October 2020 and included a combination of terms such as 'labour', 'intrapartum', 'algorithms' and specific topic terms, using Cochrane Library and MEDLINE/PubMED, CINAHL, National Guidelines Clearinghouse and Google. CASE SCENARIOS: Nine algorithm topics were identified for monitoring and management of uncomplicated labour and childbirth, identification and management of abnormalities of fetal heart rate, liquor, uterine contractions, labour progress, maternal pulse and blood pressure, temperature, urine and complicated third stage of labour. Each topic included between two and four case scenarios covering most common deviations, severity of related complications or critical clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum care algorithms provide a framework for monitoring women, and identifying and managing complications during labour and childbirth. These algorithms will support implementation of WHO recommendations and facilitate the development by stakeholders of evidence-based, up to date, paper-based or digital reminders and decision-support tools. The algorithms need to be field tested and may need to be adapted to specific contexts. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Evidence-based intrapartum care clinical algorithms for a safe and positive childbirth experience.

No effect of combined tele-exercises and nutritional coaching on anthropometric, body composition or exercise capacity outcomes in overweight and obese women: a randomized clinical trial / Ningún efecto de la combinación de ejercicios a distancia y entrenamiento Nutricional sobre los resultados antropométricos, de composición corporal o de capacidad de ejercicio en mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Background: we aimed to investigate the isolated effect of tele-exercises (TE) and their combined effect with nutritional coaching (NC) on health-related parameters of overweight and obese individuals. Methods: forty-one overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) women were randomly assigned to the experimental groups: TE (n = 20) or TE+NC (n = 21). TE was applied 3 days/week in both groups, while TE+NC also received NC 1 day/week. Anthropometric, body composition, and exercise capacity-related outcomes, quality of life, and eating behavior were assessed before and after 8 weeks of the intervention. Results: a significant main time effect (p < 0.01) was detected for flexibility, isometric muscle strength and dynamic muscle endurance, but no main group effect was noted (p > 0.05). On the other hand, neither a significant main time nor group effect (p > 0.05) was detected in the anthropometric and body composition measures, quality of life, or eating behavior. Similarly, no significant between-group difference was observed in the absolute or relative change analysis (all comparisons, p > 0.05). Conclusions: an 8-week TE program enhanced exercise capacity, but did not impact anthropometric or body composition-related outcomes. The combination of NC+TE did not have a clinical advantage in the management of overweight and obesity (AU)

Introducción: nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto aislado de los tele-ejercicios (TE) y su efecto combinado con el coaching Nutricional (CN) sobre los parámetros relacionados con la salud de las personas con sobrepeso y obesidad. Métodos: cuarenta y una mujeres con sobrepeso (índice de masa corporal ≥ 25 kg/m2) y obesas (índice de masa corporal ≥ 30 kg/m2) fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a los grupos experimentales: TE (n = 20) o TE+CN (n = 21). La TE se aplicó 3 días/semana en ambos grupos, mientras que el grupo TE+CN también recibió NC 1 día/semana. Se evaluaron los resultados antropométricos, la composición corporal y la capacidad de ejercicio, la calidad de vida y la conducta alimentaria antes y después de 8 semanas de intervención. Resultados: se detectó un efecto de tiempo principal significativo (p < 0,01) para la flexibilidad, la fuerza muscular isométrica y la resistencia muscular dinámica, pero no se observó ningún efecto de grupo principal (p > 0,05). Por otro lado, no se detectó ningún efecto de tiempo principal ni de grupo significativo (p > 0,05) en las medidas antropométricas y de composición corporal, calidad de vida o conducta alimentaria. De manera similar, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en el análisis del cambio absoluto o relativo (todas las comparaciones, p > 0,05). Conclusiones: un programa de TE de 8 semanas mejoró la capacidad de ejercicio pero no afectó los resultados antropométricos o relacionados con la composición corporal. La combinación de CN + TE no obtuvo ninguna ventaja clínica en el manejo del sobrepeso y la obesidad (AU)

Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81, a cholesterol-lowering strain having immunomodulatory activity, reveals gut microbiota regulation capability in BALB/c mice receiving high-fat diet.

AIMS: In-vitro/In-vivo evaluation of cholesterol-lowering probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81 and the possible connection with the gut microbiota modulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, strain DTA81 has been evaluated for the possible influence on blood lipid and glucose concentrations, modulation of the immune system, gastrointestinal survivability and modulation of gut microbiota in BALB/c mice receiving a high-fat diet. After 6 weeks of treatment, a significant reduction of total cholesterol and fasting blood sugar (FBS) among animals treated with L. paracasei DTA81 has been recorded. Comparison of colon tissue levels of different cytokines revealed a significant reduction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. The comparison of gut microbiota using the 16S rRNA approach indicated that the treatment with L. paracasei DTA81 significantly increased the taxa Bacteroidetes and Coprococcus. Moreover, the genome of DTA81 was sequenced for the in-silico assessment, and the analysis indicated the presence of cholesterol assimilation-related genes as well as the absence of negative traits such as transmissible antibiotic resistance genes, plasmids and prophage regions. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this study revealed the in-vitro and in-vivo properties of L. paracasei DTA81 and the possible mechanism between consumption of this strain, the abundance of Bacteriodetes/Coprococcus taxa, immunomodulatory activity and the subsequent reduction of cholesterol/FBS in BALB/c mice. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81 as a non-pharmacological potential probiotic supplement can influence metabolic homeostasis in individuals, particularly those adopting high-fat diets, and it can contribute to reduce coronary heart disease.

Systolic dysfunction by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Parvoviral enteritis (PVE) can cause either primary or secondary myocardial injury; the latter is associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis. Strain (St) and strain rate (SR) are relatively new speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) variables used to assess myocardial function and are less influenced by preload and volume status than are conventional variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate systolic function in dogs with PVE using two-dimensional STE. ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned dogs were included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs were classified into four groups: healthy (n = 9), PVE-mild (n = 15), PVE-severe (n = 13) and PVE-died (n = 8). Left ventricular global and segmental myocardial St and SR were assessed in radial, circumferential and longitudinal axes in the right parasternal transverse and apical 4-chamber views. In the circumferential and longitudinal axes, the value of each segment was determined separately at the endocardial and epicardial levels. RESULTS: Compared to healthy animals, all dogs with PVE showed significantly impaired St and SR values, mainly for PVE-severe and PVE-died groups. Moreover, the lowest SR value was observed in the circumferential axis at the mid-septal epicardial segment in the PVE-died group. For this variable, a cut-off value of 0.95 s-1 demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between PVE-severe and PVE-died groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, all dogs with PVE developed systolic dysfunction, which was more severe in non-survivors. Assessment of St and SR in dogs with PVE might be clinically useful for evaluating haemodynamic status and developing suitable therapeutic strategies to improve prognosis.

Relationship of arsenic and chromium availability with carbon functional groups, aluminum and iron in Little Washita River Experimental Watershed Reservoirs, Oklahoma, USA.

Sediment from three reservoirs located in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) in Oklahoma, USA with contrasting dominant land uses were analyzed for total and extractable concentrations of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), and the potential ecologic risk to benthic organisms. Extractable As ranged from 0.24 to 1.21 mg kg-1, in the order grazing>cropland>forest and 0.13-0.58 mg kg-1 for extractable Cr, in the order of forest>grazing>cropland. However, only approximately < 1.5% of total As and < 4% of total Cr were extractable. Total As ranged from 16.2 to 141 mg kg-1 and total Cr ranged from 5.06 to 40.1 mg kg-1 both in the order of cropland>grazing>forest. The sediment exhibited an alkaline pH (8.0-8.7). As sorption exhibited a positive relationship with Al (r = 0.9995; P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9829; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.4090; P = 0.0017) and Cr correlated positively with Al (r = 0.9676 P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9818; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.3368; P = 0.0111). In addition, both As and Cr exhibited positive relationships with carbon (C) functional groups in the order of O-alkyl C> methoxyl C> alkyl C> aromatic C> carboxyl C> phenolic C. The sediment concentration analysis results illustrated that As in all reservoirs exceeded their respective Threshold Effect Level (TEL) and/or Probable Effect Level (PEL) indicating that existing concentrations of metals in these sediments were sufficiently high to cause adverse effects. However, Cr concentrations in all reservoirs evaluated was lower compared to the TEL and PEL.

Cell and platelet composition assays by flow cytometry: basis for new platelet-rich fibrin methodologies.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are selective blood fractions obtained by cen¬trifugation. They act locally on inflammation and immunity as adjuvant homeostatic modulators during tissue regeneration. In recent years, many methods for achieving these blood concentrates have emerged, whose parameters of time and force of centrifugation presented themselves as critical, conflicting, and poorly understood points. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different centrifugal experimental parameters on the concentration of cells and platelets in samples of anticoagulated blood. Blood samples were centrifuged by forces of 200, 400 and 800 x g for 5, 10 and 15 minutes of centrifugation times to obtain three fractions: a) platelet-poor plasma (PPP), b) leukocyte-rich plasma (L- PRP) and c) red blood cell sed¬iment (RBC). The leukocyte and platelet content of each centrifuged fraction was measured by automated flow cytometry associated with the peroxidase reaction for differential leukocyte count. The application of 200 x g generated a more significant dispersive content of leukocytes and platelets in the supernatant fraction of PPP when compared to the other two strength ranges. However, it presented the highest concentration of platelets in the sediment (P <0.05 ANOVA), representing a loss of total mass during processing. The 400 and 800 x g forces showed leukocytes and platelets condensed in the L-PRP fraction and lower levels in the sedi¬ment, demonstrating the greater effectiveness of buoyancy in the resuspension of these sedimented elements. Our experimental data showed that the concentration and organization of leukocytes and platelets in the centrifuged blood matrices are very sensitive to variations in g force and centrifugation time, thus generating products with different biological composition and characteristics, and with specific potential therapeutic effects. The present study did not focus on comparing authoring methods, but on presenting the impact of methodological variations on the biological nature of centrifuged blood matrices. Further in vivo studies are needed to assess the specific clinical effect of each methodological change.

Lung consolidation caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae has a negative effect on productive performance and economic revenue in finishing pigs.

This study aimed to measure the impact of productivity and the consequent economic losses related to lung lesions caused by M. hyopneumoniae. Five-hundred 75 days-old pigs were selected and weighed at the beginning and at the end of the finishing phase to assess the average daily gain (ADG). These animals were evaluated at the slaughter, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of M. hyopneumoniae DNA. The lungs of each pig were examined and classified into groups based on the extension of macroscopic lung lesions. Four-hundred eighty-six lungs were examined and 68.5% (n = 333) had macroscopic lung lesions. All pigs with lesions were positive for M. hyopneumoniae in qPCR. Linear mixed regression models (proc Glimmix) were performed on SAS to estimate the effect of macroscopic lung lesion scores on the ADG of finishing pigs. All pairwise comparisons among lesion score groups were performed using p < 0.05. For each increase of one percent in the lesion area, there was a decrease of 1.8 g in the daily weight gain. All the groups had a numerically lower ADG when compared to Group 1 (no lesions). The economic analysis was performed by simulation on Excel to estimate and compare the financial performance of the different lung lesion score groups. The negative correlation found between the group with no lung lesions and the group with more than 15.1% of lesions, showed a statistical difference in ADG, which could mean an opportunity to gain up to $ 6.55 per pig at slaughter. The presence of lesions causes the animals to decrease their productive potential, causing financial loss and generating impacts on the production system.

Virome of crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) from southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) are wild canids distributed in South America. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild canids may share viral pathogens, including rabies virus (RABV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). To characterize the virome of these wild canid species, the present work evaluated the spleen and mesenteric lymph node virome of 17 crab-eating and five Pampas foxes using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Organ samples were pooled and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Additional PCR analyses were performed to identify the frequencies and host origin for each virus detected by HTS. Sequences more closely related to the Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae and Anelloviridae families were detected, as well as circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. CDV was found only in crab-eating foxes, whereas CPV-2 was found in both canid species; both viruses were closely related to sequences reported in domestic dogs from southern Brazil. Moreover, the present work reported the detection of canine bocavirus (CBoV) strains that were genetically divergent from CBoV-1 and 2 lineages. Finally, we also characterized CRESS DNA viruses and anelloviruses with marked diversity. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding wild canid viruses that can potentially be shared with domestic canids or other species.

Disruption of bovine sperm functions in the presence of aplastic midpiece defect.

BACKGROUND: Bulls are of great importance in the productive chain and for this reason they should have a good semen quality. There is no doubt that sperm morphology is very important to bull fertility, although little is known about how exactly the abnormal morphologies may affect sperm functions. OBJECTIVES: To detail the morphological description of the aplastic midpiece defect (AMD), as well as to understand its consequences for male fertility based on membrane and acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bulls were divided into two groups: control, consisting of satisfactory potential breeders (n = 3); and AMD, consisting of unsatisfactory potential breeders with a high percentage of AMD (n = 3). Bulls were evaluated by the breeding soundness evaluation; five ejaculates were collected from each animal and analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Spermatozoa from AMD group exhibited lower sperm motility and vigor (p < 0.05). In addition, it also exhibited lower mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), a higher percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation (p < 0.05), lower acrosome and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), and higher lipid bilayer sperm membrane disorganization (p < 0.05) in comparison with control bulls. DISCUSSION: These findings may be due to oxidative stress and a reduction of the energy production capacity in addition to an alteration in the structural composition of the sperm cell. Moreover, semen with a high percentage of AMD may also be undergoing apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Bulls with a high percentage of AMD in their semen are not suitable for reproduction. Furthermore, it suggests there is a putative genetic basis for this sperm defect.

Antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and influenza virus and their relationships with risk factors, clinical signs and lung lesions in pig farms with one-site production systems in Brazil.

A study was conducted on 21 pig herds using one-site production system in the southeast region of Brazil to assess the relationships among serological results for primary pathogens involved in respiratory diseases (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, App; Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mhyo; and swine influenza virus, SIV), cough index, pneumonia index, pleuritis and herd characteristics. The prevalence of antibodies against Mhyo and SIV increased throughout the raising phases, with the highest prevalence in slaughtered pigs (> 40%), while pigs in 65% (14/21) of nurseries demonstrated marked seroprevalence of App that decreased until the day of slaughter. Pleuritis and pulmonary consolidations were recorded in 9.0 and 72.4%, respectively, of the 908 evaluated lungs. Histopathological analysis of the lung lesions revealed suppurative bronchopneumonia in almost half of the lungs (48.9%). Regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the cough index; pleuritis; pulmonary consolidation; and App, Mhyo and SIV serological results. All-in-all-out management in nursery buildings reduced the seroprevalence of Mhyo in herds. App seroprevalence was associated with pleuritis, and the presence of cough episodes in growing pigs was associated with SIV seropositivity in nursery pigs.

Mechanical Behavior of Ceramic Monolithic Systems With Different Thicknesses.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the fully stabilized zirconia (FSZ) Prettau Anterior, the partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) Prettau, and the lithium disilicate IPS e.max CAD (LD) through microstructural and mechanical characterization and effect of thickness on fracture load of the ceramics. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Disk-shaped specimens (12 mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness) were prepared for biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and Weibull statistics (n=30). For the fracture load static test (FLST) and Weibull statistics (n=30), disk-shaped specimens 12 mm in diameter and thicknesses of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm were cemented on an epoxy-resin substrate. RESULTS: BFS (MPa) results were PSZ: 683.0 ± 70.23; FSZ: 438.6 ± 64.1; and LD: 248.6 ± 37.3. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for BFS was significant (p<0.001), and the Tukey post hoc test showed differences among all ceramics. There was difference in characteristic strength, but there was no difference in Weibull modulus. Two-way ANOVA for FLST was significant for ceramic (p<0001), thickness (p<0001), and interaction (p<0001). There was no difference among all ceramics at the 0.5 mm thickness. PSZ had higher values for the 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses. LD of 1.5 mm thickness exhibited a higher FLST than FSZ. CONCLUSIONS: PSZ had the highest BFS, but when cemented on a substrate, all ceramics with 0.5 mm thickness behaved similarly. Despite the lower BFS, LD had a fracture load similar or superior to FSZ when cemented on a substrate.

Production of lipids with Microchloropsis salina in open thin-layer cascade photobioreactors.

Microalgal biomass is considered as the most promising feedstock for sustainable production of liquid fuels. Lipid production with Microchloropsis salina was studied in open thin-layer cascade (TLC) photobioreactors with a surface area of 8 m2 applying a physically simulated Mediterranean summer climate. High lipid concentrations of up to 6.6 g L-1 with 46% (w w-1) total lipids in dry cell mass were achieved in two-phase batch processes applying a nitrogen limitation. The two-phase batch process was transferred into a continuously operated reactor cascade of two TLC photobioreactors. Microchloropsis salina cells were produced continuously in the first photobioreactor, whereas continuous lipid production was enabled in the second, nitrogen-limited TLC photobioreactor resulting in continuous production of 3.0 g L-1 lipids with a high overall lipid space-time-yield of 0.2 g L-1 d-1. The control of alkalinity to about 10 mM resulted in high CO2 conversion efficiencies of 84-87%.

A new acridone with antifungal properties against Candida spp. and dermatophytes, and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans.

AIM: The increase in the number of fungal infections worldwide, coupled with the limitations of current antifungal chemotherapy, demand the development of safe and effective new antifungals. Here, we presented the synthesis of a novel acridone (M14) and its antifungal properties against Candida and dermatophytes species. METHODS AND RESULTS: A series of 17 acridones was designed, synthesized and tested for its antifungal activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution method. Only the acridone M14 showed growth-inhibitory activity against reference strains and clinical isolates of Candida and dermatophytes, with MIC range of 7·81-31·25 µg ml-1 . Moreover, M14 exhibited fungicidal activity and prevented biofilm formation by C. albicans as well as reduced the viability of preformed biofilms, even at sub-MICs. The confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis revealed that C. albicans hyphal growth was completely inhibited in the presence of M14. Similarly, there was a severe inhibition on hyphal growth of Trichophyton rubrum. We also found that M14 has relatively low toxicity to human fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: The new acridone M14 has antifungal properties against Candida spp. and dermatophytes, and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. In addition, M14 is relatively selective to fungal cells compared to human normal cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Because of its in vitro antifungal activity, anti-Candida biofilm effect and moderate cytotoxicity towards normal human cell, M14 may serve as a valuable lead compound to develop a new antifungal agent.