Evaluation and economic analysis of fermented fish viscera silage in diets for tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and its effects on the physical quality of pellets, growth performance, health parameters.

The production of silage using fish viscera can be carried out with straightforward methods and permits the exploitation of nutrients that are usually discarded. This process fosters the concept of circular aquaculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of increasing levels of fish viscera silage (VS) on the physical quality of the feed pellets and their effects on their growth performance, health parameters and on economic indices when the experimental extruded feed was offered to tambaqui. A fermented fish VS produced in-house was included in increasing levels on a wet-basis in the formulation of five experimental diets (VS 0%, VS 5%; VS 10%; VS 15% and VS 20%). Juvenile tambaqui (~22.6 g) were stocked in fibreglass tanks of 700 L (n = 4; 21 fish per tank) with a recirculation system and the five experimental diets were attributed in a completely randomized design. The fish were fed with the experimental diets (to apparent satiation) for 13 weeks. At the end of the trial, no significant differences were observed for production performance. Fish fed with the highest inclusion level of VS presented the highest concentration of plasma cholesterol, but this was still within acceptable values for this species. The inclusion of fish VS in diets for juvenile tambaqui reduced the activity of the plasma ALT enzyme, confirming normal liver function. Extruded feed containing fish VS had a production cost of US$ 0.95 per kg, which does not significantly impact the economic indices. Up to 20% of fish VS can be included in the extruded feed formulation for juvenile tambaqui without impairing growth performance or affecting health parameters.

A Sustainable Diet for Tambaqui Farming in the Amazon: Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Whole-Body Composition and Fillet Color.

The aim of this study was to produce feed based on locally sourced ingredients for tambaqui farming in Amazon. Diets were formulated with increasing levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) as a replacement for fish meal (FM), and cassava by-products in the same proportion (tuber residues, peel and leaves). A conventional diet (CO) was used as the control. Juvenile tambaqui (24.61 ± 1.14 g) were housed in 24 tanks in a recirculation aquaculture system. Neither diet rejection nor mortality were observed. Fish fed cassava by-products showed similar feed conversion rates (FCR 1.76); however, these values were worse than those observed in fish fed the CO (FCR 1.33). No differences were observed in the whole-body composition of the fish. The fillets of fish fed cassava by-products had a yellow color due the carotenoids present in the leaves. Dietary BSFL and cassava by-products can contribute to the sustainability of Amazonian aquaculture. Further studies with a lower proportion of cassava leaves in the diet formulation are recommended so as to ensure enhanced diet digestibility and less impact on the color of the fillets.

Impact of obesity on the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system: A morphofunctional approach.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity is increasing significantly worldwide, raising great concern among health professionals. This observational study evaluated the electromyographic activity and thickness of the masseter and temporalis muscles, in addition to the maximum molar bite force, in obese and eutrophic subjects. METHODS: Sixty subjects were divided into three groups: I (7-12 years), II (13-20 years), III (21-40 years) and sex: with 10 men and 10 women for each group. Electromyographic recordings of the masticatory muscles were obtained during mandibular tasks. The masticatory muscles thicknesses were obtained at rest and during dental clenching. The maximum molar bite forces were measured on the right and left sides. The difference in outcome measures between the groups and sex was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporal muscles consistently displayed lower levels in obese subjects of both sexes across all three age groups during mandibular tasks. Additionally, greater thickness of the masticatory muscles was observed in obese subjects of both sexes across all three age groups. Obese women in Group II displayed higher values of molar bite force, both on the right and left sides, compared to eutrophic women. On the other hand, women in Group III exhibited higher values of molar bite force on the right side in comparison to eutrophic women. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the potential impact of obesity on the morphofunctional aspects of the stomatognathic system in subjects aged 7 to 40 years.

Effect of Dry Needling on Morphofunctional Capacity of Masticatory Muscles, and Bite Force in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders of Muscular Origin / Efeito do Agulhamento a Seco na Capacidade Morfofuncional dos Músculos Mastigatórios e na Força de Mordida em Pacientes com Disfunções Temporomandibulares de Origem Muscular

The presence of myofascial trigger points in the masticatory muscles can lead to pain and may be related to temporomandibular dysfunction. The dry needling technique (DN) is employed for mechanical disruption and deactivation of trigger points in skeletal muscles. The purpose of this observational longitudinal clinical study was to determine the morphofunctional capacity of the masseter and temporalis muscles, and bite force in patients with temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin after DN of the masseter muscle. Twenty-one patients with the presence of trigger points in the masseter muscle were selected. Electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles was assessed during the mandibular tasks of rest, protrusion, right and left laterality, and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Muscle thickness at rest and dental clenching at MVC was measured with ultrasound. Molar bite force (right and left) was analyzed with a digital dynamometer. Patients were evaluated before and seven days after intervention with DN. Data were subject to the paired t test for dependent samples (p<0.05). There was significant difference in the left masseter muscle in right laterality (p=0.01), right temporalis muscle thickness in MVC (p=0.05), and right (p=0.01) and left (p=0.008) molar bite force, after DN. The authors suggest that DN was efficient in the positive changes in the morphofunctional performance of the stomatognathic system. (AU)

A presença de pontos gatilhos miofasciais nos músculos mastigatórios pode gerar dor e estar relacionada à disfunção temporomandibular. A técnica de agulhamento a seco (AS) é utilizada para rompimento mecânico e desativação do ponto gatilho nos músculos esqueléticos. O objetivo deste estudo clínico longitudinal observacional foi determinar a capacidade morfofuncional dos músculos masseter e temporal, bem como a força de mordida, em pacientes com distúrbios temporomandibulares de origem muscular após AS no músculo masseter. Foram selecionados vinte e um pacientes com presença de pontos de gatilho no músculo masseter. A atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos masseter e temporal foi avaliada durante tarefas mandibulares de repouso, protrusão, lateralidade direita e esquerda, e contração voluntária máxima (CVM). A espessura muscular em repouso e a contração dental na CVM foram medidas por ultrassom. A força de mordida molar (direita e esquerda) foi analisada com um dinamômetro digital. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes e sete dias após a intervenção com DN. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste t pareado para amostras dependentes (p<0,05). Houve diferença significante no músculo masseter esquerdo na lateralidade direita (p=0,01), espessura do músculo temporal direito na CVM (p=0,05) e força de mordida molar direita (p=0,01) e esquerda (p=0,008), após AS. Os autores sugerem que o AS foi eficaz nas alterações positivas no desempenho morfofuncional do sistema estomatognático. (AU)

Growth performance, hematology parameters and Aeromonas hydrophila challenge of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) in response to dietary protein levels.

The pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) is a fast-growing Amazonian species of high commercial value. The present study aimed to determine the dietary crude protein (CP) level to promote maximum zootechnical performance for pirarucu fingerlings and as their resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila, as well as evaluate their hematological parameters. Pirarucu fingerlings (2.4 ± 0.08 g, 6.8 ± 0.52 cm) were distributed in 18 tanks (140 L, 40 fish per tank, n = 3) and fed six experimental diets consisting of increasing levels of CP: 300, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 650 g kg-1 in a completely randomized design. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and the ideal CP level for weight gain was determined using polynomial regression analysis. The dietary CP levels were evaluated using a quadratic polynomial regression and the level of 595 g kg-1 was determined for the best weight gain. The hematocrit of fish fed 300 g kg-1 was higher than in the other groups. No mortalities were observed after the 15-day bacterial challenge; however, number of pirarucu with bacterial damage on the pirarucu caudal fin was higher in the group that was fed the diet with 300 g kg-1. A dietary protein level of 618 g kg-1 is therefore recommended for providing maximum weight gain and immunological resistance in pirarucu fingerlings weighing 2.4-112.5 g.

Effect of dry needling and instrumental myofascial release on masticatory, facial, and cervical muscles of patients with temporomandibular disorders of muscular origin.

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and instrumental myofascial release (IMR) therapies in the cervico-cranio-mandibular system through pain, bite force, and distribution of occlusal contacts in patients with muscular temporomandibular disorders. Material and Methods: Thirty patients were divided into treatment groups: DN (n=15) and IMR (n=15). Therapeutic efficacy regarding pain perception and tolerance of masticatory, facial, and cervical muscles, bite force, and distribution of occlusal contacts were analyzed in this observational longitudinal clinical study pre/post-intervention and pre/post one month of therapeutic intervention. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed (repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc test, p<0.05). Results: There was a statistically significant difference in pain between the groups in the comparison of pre- and post-intervention with effect on time versus intervention in the head and neck. Pain perception and tolerance showed a statistical effect of time on the temporal, suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, mental (right and left), right masseter, and left trapezius muscles. There was a statistically significant effect of the intervention on the mentalis, supraorbital, and infraorbital (right and left) muscles. There was a statistically significant effect of the interaction on the upper masseter (right and left), anterior temporal (left), suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, and mentalis (left) muscles. There was an increase in post-intervention molar bite force in the groups, with a statistical effect on time versus intervention in the right and left regions. Contact of occlusal forces at the maxilla/mandible interface showed a difference between the mean times on teeth 26-36 after versus 1 month after the intervention. Conclusions: The two therapeutic techniques are viable for the treatment of muscular temporomandibular disorders; however, IMR proved to be more effective immediately after the intervention and after one month. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders, pain, masticatory muscles, facial muscles, cervical muscles, dry needling, instrumental myofascial release.

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers: a hospital-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were the first to be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic infection among HCWs in Portuguese hospitals. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We analysed data from HCWs (all professional categories) from three central hospitals: one in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region and two in the central region of mainland Portugal, between December 2020 and March 2022. VE against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated as one minus the confounder adjusted HRs by Cox models considering age group, sex, self-reported chronic disease and occupational exposure to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 as adjustment variables. RESULTS: During the 15 months of follow-up, the 3034 HCWs contributed a total of 3054 person-years at risk, and 581 SARS-CoV-2 events occurred. Most participants were already vaccinated with a booster dose (n=2653, 87%), some are vaccinated with only the primary scheme (n=369, 12.6%) and a few remained unvaccinated (n=12, 0.4%) at the end of the study period. VE against symptomatic infection was 63.6% (95% CI 22.6% to 82.9%) for HCWs vaccinated with two doses and 55.9% (95% CI -1.3% to 80.8%) for HCWs vaccinated with one booster dose. Point estimate VE was higher for individuals with two doses taken between 14 days and 98 days (VE=71.9%; 95% CI 32.3% to 88.3%). CONCLUSION: This cohort study found a high COVID-19 VE against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in Portuguese HCWs after vaccination with one booster dose, even after Omicron variant occurrence. The small sample size, the high vaccine coverage, the very low number of unvaccinated individuals and the few events observed during the study period contributed to the low precision of the estimates.

Orthodontic treatment of children with anterior open bite and posterior crossbite: An analysis of the stomatognathic system.

Dental malocclusions are deviations from normalities due to the inadequate growth and development of the dental arch which provides functional changes to the stomatognathic system. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the electromyographic activity (EMG) the masseter and temporalis muscles, strength of the orofacial tissues and occlusal force of children with anterior open bite (n = 15) and posterior crossbite (n = 20), 7 days after the removal of the orthodontic apparatus. A fixed horizontal palatal crib was used in the treatment of anterior open bite and the fixed appliances Hyrax or MacNamara was used in the treatment of posterior crossbite. EMG of the masticatory muscles was recorded using an electromyograph with wireless sensors during mandibular tasks. Habitual chewing was assessed using the integral of the linear envelope of the electromyographic signal in the masticatory cycles. The strength of the tongue and facial muscles was measured using the Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument. T-Scan was used to analyze the force of occlusal contact. Molar bite force was measured by digital dynamometer. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the EMG data of the masseter and temporalis muscles in the static and dynamic mandibular tasks. There were no significant difference in strength of orofacial tissues, occlusal contact force and molar bite force 7 days after the removal of the orthodontic apparatus. The results of this study suggest that the orthodontic treatment of anterior open bite and posterior crossbite in children promoted functional alteration in the electromyographic activity of masseter and temporalis muscles.

Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Diet for Tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum: Digestibility, Growth Performance and Economic Analysis of Feeds.

Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae is a prominent ingredient in aquafeeds due to its high protein and energy contents. This study evaluated the digestibility of full-fat BSF larvae meal (FF-BSFL) and its inclusion in diets for tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum. The apparent digestibility coefficient of FF-BSFL for protein and energy was around of 88%, corresponding to 33.55% and 21.61 MJ kg-1 of digestible protein and energy, respectively. For the feeding trial, tambaqui juveniles (53.23 ± 1.07 g) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design (n = 4; 150 L tanks; 10 fish per tank). Fish were fed diets including 0%, 5.25%, 10.50%, and 15.75% FF-BSFL to apparent satiation for 60 days. Fish fed 10.50% FF-BSFL dietary inclusion showed higher weight gain, feed intake, final biomass, and relative growth rate. The 10.50% FF-BSFL diet presented the highest index of economic profitability. Weight gain fitted a third-degree equation and the optimum FF-BSFL inclusion level was estimated at 11.6%. However, FF-BSFL dietary inclusion up to 15.75% did not impair growth fish performance. FF-BSFL seems to be a promising source of protein and energy for omnivorous fish aquafeed.

Electromyographic analysis of the stomatognathic system of children with Molar-incisor hypomineralization.

INTRODUCTION: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect of dental enamel that affects one or more permanent first molars, with or without involvement of the incisor teeth. This condition leads to challenges to dental care and treatment planning. AIM: Based on the hypothesis that children who have MIH possibly present alterations in postural and masticatory activities and considering the absence of studies investigating these parameters, the present study evaluated the functionality of the stomatognathic system considering the mentioned aspects. MATERIALS: The comparison of individuals with (MIHG; n = 32) and without MIH (CG; n = 32) was evaluated by electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles (right and left), as well as evaluation of the masticatory cycles during habitual mastication. RESULTS: MIHG showed muscle hyperactivity in postural and dynamic conditions compared to the CG; higher electromyographic values for MIHG when compared to CG in the following postural conditions: at rest for the right temporal (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.03); in the protrusion to the right temporal muscle (p = 0.02); in the right laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.01); in the left laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.03) and left temporal (p = 0.04) muscles. In dynamic conditions with consistent food, significance was observed for the left temporal (p = 0.01); and with soft food for the right (p = 0.01) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Children with MIH seem to have impaired functionality of the stomatognathic system. Children with MIH have alterations in the stomatognathic system.

Patient perspectives on repeated contrast-enhanced mammography and magnetic resonance during neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The burden perceived by the patient of repeated imaging required for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) monitoring warrants attention due to the increased use of NAC and imaging. PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the experienced burden associated with repeated contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during NAC for breast cancer from the patient perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Approval from the ethics committee and written informed consent were obtained. In this prospective study, CEM and MRI were performed on 38 patients with breast cancer before, during, and after NAC in a tertiary cancer center. The experienced burden was evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire addressing duration, comfort, anxiety, positioning, and intravenous contrast administration, each measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The participants were asked their preference between CEM or MRI. Statistical comparisons were performed and P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 29, 76%) preferred CEM over MRI (P = 0.0008). CEM was associated with a significantly shorter duration (P < 0.001), greater overall comfort (P < 0.01), more comfortable positioning (P = 0.01), and lower anxiety (P = 0.03). Intravenous contrast administration perception revealed no significant difference. Only 4 (10%) participants preferred MRI over CEM, due to the absence of breast compression. CONCLUSION: In the hypothetical scenario of equal diagnostic accuracy, most participants preferred CEM and compared CEM favorably to MRI in all investigated features at repeated imaging required for NAC response assessment. Our results indicate that repeated examinations with CEM is well tolerated and constitutes a patient-friendly alternative for NAC imaging monitoring in breast cancer.

Effect of intervertebral disc degeneration on the stomatognathic system function in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the electromyographic activity (EMG) and thermographic patterns of the masseter and temporalis muscles and pressure of the orofacial tissues in individuals with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). METHODS: This study had two distinct groups: with IDD (n = 16) and controls (n = 16). EMG at rest, protrusion, right and left laterality, and maximum voluntary contraction were evaluated. Tongue, orbicularis oris, and buccinator muscles pressures were measured by Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. The thermographic patterns were analyzed using infrared thermography. RESULTS: Comparisons between groups showed significant differences regarding at rest [right (p = 0.05) and left (p = 0.05) masseter and right temporal (p = 0.05)], orofacial tissue pressure [tongue (p = 0.001), orbicularis oris (p = 0.01), and buccinator (p = 0.0001)], but no significant differences for the thermographic patterns. CONCLUSION: IDD modifies the functionality of the craniomandibular complex, influencing the performance of the stomatognathic system.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Analysis of the Electromyographic Fatigue of the Masticatory Muscles.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease that affects motor neurons, thereby promoting functional changes in the human body. The study evaluated the electromyographic fatigue threshold of the masseter and temporal muscles of subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A total of eighteen subjects were divided into two groups: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=9) and disease-free control (n=9). The groups were equally divided according to gender (7 males, 2 females). The fatigue threshold was analysed using median frequencies obtained during the 5-second window (initial [IP], mid [MP], and final [FP] periods) of electromyographic signalling of the masseter and temporal muscles bilaterally, with reduction in muscle force during maximal voluntary dental clenching. Significant difference (p<0.05) in the left temporal muscle: IP (p=0.05) and MP (p=0.05) periods was demonstrated. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis group showed a decrease in median frequency of the electromyographic signal of the masseter and temporal muscles compared to the control group. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis promotes functional impairment of the stomatognathic system, especially at the electromyographic fatigue threshold of the masticatory muscles.

Short-term preservation of Colossoma macropomum oocytes by different methods and chilling temperatures.

A preservation protocol has not been established for Colossoma macropomum oocytes, and its development may improve the production and breeding programs of this South American fish species. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of different methods and protocols for the preservation of C. macropomum oocytes. Seven experiments were conducted throughout the breeding season of this species. The oocytes were collected and stored in sterile conditions. Preserved oocytes were subjected to storage in the following treatments: room temperature (RT, 27 °C), centrifugation followed by ovarian fluid removal (Cen), vacuum (Vac), chilled temperature (ChT), centrifugation and vacuum (CV), vacuum and chilled temperature (VChT), and centrifugation, vacuum, and chilled temperature (CVChT) in dry sterilized plastic containers and plastic bags. Chilled storage was tested at 4 and 13 °C. Fertilization and hatching rates were assessed at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after stripping (MAS) for preservation protocols. The larval malformation rate was analyzed at 0 and 30 MAS for RT and ChT. Quantitation and identification (by mean of MALDI-TOF MS) of bacteria were performed at 0, 60, 90, and 120 MAS, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were carried out at 0, 60, and 90 MAS. The fertilization and hatching rates decreased over preservation time and breeding season. RT samples fertilized at 0, 30, and 60 MAS yielded similar fertilization rates at both the beginning and end of the season. By the end of the season, oocytes from treatment ChT at 13 °C 30 MAS yielded higher fertilization and hatching rates, and a lower percentage of larvae malformation than RT 30 MAS. The treatment ChT at 4 °C triggered low a fertilization rate. The treatments ChT (13 °C) and Cen provided good fertilization rate when used alone and with other approaches, i.e., treatments VChT, CV, and CVChT. The treatment Vac presented inconsistent results, so no conclusion could be made. Bacterial colony counts were low (10-1.6 × 105 CFU-mL-1), and a total of 18 bacteria species were identified in all batches analyzed; however, the treatments did not influence the number of bacteria. C. macropomum female breeders presented distinct bacteria species in their oocytes and the presence of bacteria did not impair oocyte quality until 120 MAS. Moreover, SEM analyses showed that the micropyle was not occluded during oocyte storage, and ovarian fluid was observed on the surface of chilled oocytes. Therefore, Colossoma macropomum oocytes could be preserved under chilled storage at 13 °C for 30 min throughout its breeding season.

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Functional Analysis of Bite Force and Masseter and Temporal Muscles Thickness.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a pathological condition associated with the intervertebral disc and is related to functional alterations in the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the maximum molar bite force and masseter and temporal muscles thickness in individuals with intervertebral disc degeneration. Thirty-two individuals were divided into two groups: those with degeneration of intervertebral discs (n=16) and those without degeneration (n=16). The maximum molar bite force (on the right and left sides) was measured using a dynamometer. Masseter and temporal muscle thickness during mandibular task rest and dental clenching in maximum voluntary contraction were analysed using ultrasound. Significant differences in the left molar bite force (p=0.04) were observed between the groups (Student's t-test, p<0.05). The intervertebral disc degeneration group had a lower maximum molar bite force. No significant differences in muscle thickness were observed between the masseter and temporal muscles in either group. However, based on clinical observations, the group with intervertebral disc degeneration presented less masseter muscle thickness and greater temporal muscle thickness in both mandibular tasks. Degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs promoted morphofunctional changes in the stomatognathic system, especially in maximum molar bite force and masticatory muscle thickness. This study provides insight into the interaction between spinal pathology and the stomatognathic system, which is important for healthcare professionals who treat patients with functional degeneration.

Blockade of caspase cascade overcomes malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice.

Malaria is an enormous burden on global health that caused 409,000 deaths in 2019. Severe malaria can manifest in the lungs, an illness known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Not much is known about the development of malaria-associated ARDS (MA-ARDS), especially regarding cell death in the lungs. We had previously established a murine model that mimics various human ARDS aspects, such as pulmonary edema, hemorrhages, pleural effusion, and hypoxemia, using DBA/2 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Here, we explored the mechanisms and the involvement of apoptosis in this syndrome. We found that apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of MA-ARDS, primarily as facilitators of the alveolar-capillary barrier breakdown. The protection of pulmonary endothelium by inhibiting caspase activation could be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent the pathogenicity of MA-ARDS. Therefore, intervention in the programmed death cell mechanism could help patients not to develop severe malaria.

Chloramine-T application for Trichodina sp. in Arapaima gigas juveniles: Acute toxicity, histopathology, efficacy, and physiological effects.

Trichodinids are problematic ectoparasites for intensive arapaima fish farming, which can make their breeding costly and unprofitable. The search for effective and safe therapeutic molecules is constant, and chloramine-T has stood out as an effective biocide to treat various pathogens in aquaculture. Here we investigated the acute toxicity (LC50-4h) of chloramine-T and its behavioural, morphological, histological, physiological, and antiparasitic effects on the control of trichodinids in arapaima juveniles. Initially arapaima were exposed to chloramine-T (0, 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 mg L-1) for 4 h. During this period, behavioural, morphological, and mortality changes were recorded. Immediately after a toxicity test, gills were collected for the histological analysis. The LC50-4h was calculated at 23.8 mg L-1 of chloramine-T. Behavioural changes like erratic swimming, loss of balance, gasping at the water surface, excessive mucus, jumping at the water surface, lethargy and gill hyperventilation, and morphological changes like loss of scales, ocular opacity, and skin darkening, were considered mild in arapaima exposed to 10 and 20 mg L-1 of chloramine-T for 4 h. The arapaima gills exposed to 10, 20 and, 40 mg L-1 of chloramine-T presented epithelial hyperplasia, dilated venous sinus and eosinophilic infiltrate, but they were reversible and of a low pathological degree. Based on the acute toxicity test (LC50-4h) results, concentrations were defined for the in vivo efficacy test, during which arapaima were exposed to 0, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1 of chloramine-T for 1 h. After a therapeutic bath, physiological and parasitological analyses were performed. The use of 20 mg L-1 of chloramine-T significantly reduced (p < 0.05) parasitism by Trichodina sp. with an efficacy of 50.27 % and 53.23 % in gills and on the body surface, respectively. Chloramine-T did not change haematological parameters (erythrogram and thrombogram) or the biochemical parameters of arapaima after 1 h of exposure. However, monocytosis and neutrophilia were noted at slightly higher concentrations (15 and 20 mg L-1), but changes in fish homeostasis were not characterised. Thus, we demonstrate that the application of a therapeutic bath with 20 mg L-1 of chloramine-T for 1 h reduces parasitism by trichodinids and does not affect general arapaima juvenile health.

Population homogeneity for the antibody response to COVID-19 BNT162b2/Comirnaty vaccine is only reached after the second dose across all adult age ranges.

While mRNA vaccines are administrated worldwide in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the heterogeneity of the humoral immune response they induce at the population scale remains unclear. Here, in a prospective, longitudinal, cohort-study, including 1245 hospital care workers and 146 nursing home residents scheduled for BNT162b2 vaccination, together covering adult ages from 19 to 99 years, we analyse seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and amount of spike-specific IgG, IgM and IgA before vaccination, and 3-5 weeks after each dose. We show that immunogenicity after a single vaccine dose is biased to IgG, heterogeneous and reduced with increasing age. The second vaccine dose normalizes IgG seroconversion in all age strata. These findings indicate two dose mRNA vaccines is required to reach population scale humoral immunity. The results advocate for the interval between the two doses not to be extended, and for serological monitoring of elderly and immunosuppressed vaccinees.

Imaging Tips to Recognize Primary Breast Angiosarcoma.

Teaching Point: Primary breast angiosarcoma should be in the differential of a breast mass with rapid growth. It typically appears intensely vascularized and non-calcified, predominantly hyperechoic, and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI.