A proof-of-principle for decontamination of transplantation kidney through UV-C exposition of the perfusate solution.

Kidney transplantation is a common yet highly demanding medical procedure worldwide, enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease. Despite its prevalence, the procedure faces a shortage of available organs, partly due to contamination by microorganisms, leading to significant organ disposal. This study proposes utilizing photonic techniques associated with organ support machines to prevent patient contamination during kidney transplantation. We implemented a decontamination system using ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation on the preservation solution circulating through pigs' kidneys between harvest and implant. UV-C irradiation, alone or combined with ultrasound (US) and Ps80 detergent during ex-vivo swine organ perfusion in a Lifeport® Kidney Transporter machine, aimed to reduce microbiological load in both fluid and organ. Results show rapid fluid decontamination compared to microorganism release from the organ, with notable retention. By including Ps80 detergent at 0.5% during UV-C irradiation 3 log10 (CFU mL-1) of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria previously retained in the organ were successfully removed, indicating the technique's feasibility and effectiveness.

Factors associated with non-completion of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A non-matched case control study.

INTRODUCTION: There are scarce data on the routine latent tuberculosis infection treatment (LTBIT) and factors associated with a non-completion in high tuberculosis burden countries. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with non-completion of LTBIT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a non-matched case control study conducted at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 114 cases and 404 controls were enrolled between January/1999 and December/2009. Cases were close contacts who did not complete the LTBIT and controls were the contacts that completed it. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate risk factors associated with non-completion of LTBIT among contacts in two different periods of recruitment. RESULTS: Factors associated with non-completion LTBIT included: drug use (OR 23.33, 95% CI 1.83-296.1), TB treatment default by the index case (OR 16.97, 95% CI 3.63-79.24) and drug intolerance. TB disease rates after two years of follow up varied from 0.4% to 1.9%. The number necessary to treat to prevent one TB case among contacts was 116. CONCLUSIONS: Non-completion treatment by the index case and illicit drug use were associated with not completing latent tuberculosis infection treatment and no tuberculosis disease was identified among those who completed latent tuberculosis infection treatment.

Effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation on peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, antioxidant enzymes, health, and performance in dairy cows in semi-arid conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous injections of 15 mg/mL Cu, 5 mg/mL Se, 60 mg/mL Zn, and 10 mg/mL Mn on health, performance, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function, circulating glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations, and inflammation of dairy cows undergoing the transition period in high temperature-humidity index. A total of 923 multiparous cows from 2 commercial dairy farms were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 treatment groups as follows: control and injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITMS). Cows in the ITMS group received 7 mL of subcutaneous injections at dry-off (208 ± 3 d of gestation), 260 ± 3 d of gestation, and at 35 ± 3 d in milk (DIM). Data regarding health traits, reproductive performance, milk yield, and survivability were extracted from farm database software, and animals were followed-up until 300 DIM. For a subset of 142 cows from one herd, blood samples were collected at enrollment, and at 3 ± 1, 7 ± 1, 10 ± 1, and 35 ± 3 DIM to evaluate hematology, PMNL function, GPx and SOD concentrations, and circulating haptoglobin. Logistic regression was used to assess health and pregnancy per artificial insemination at first service. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate hazard of pregnancy and culling. Mixed linear regression models accounting for repeated measures were used to assess all continuous variables collected over time. Parity, twinning, and previous gestation length were considered as potential confounders. Farm was included as a random effect. The ITMS cows tended to have lower incidence of metritis and stillbirth compared with control group. However, ITMS treatment did not influence the incidence of other diseases (e.g., mastitis, retained placenta), milk yield, reproductive performance, culling, and leukocyte count. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, PMNL phagocytosis, and oxidative burst as well as intensity of the oxidative burst were greater for ITMS-treated cows in comparison to control cows. The ITMS cows had decreased expression of the adhesion molecule L-selectin on PMNL surface. The serum concentration of GPx and SOD were not affected by ITMS treatment. In conclusion, ITMS tended to reduce the incidence of metritis and stillbirth parturition, improved PMNL function, and improved the inflammatory status of dairy cows undergoing the transition period in high temperature-humidity index conditions. However, these findings did not translate into improved milk yield, reproductive performance, and survivability.

Prophylactic use of an ultra-diluted complex on health, metabolism, and performance of weaned Holstein calves and its carryover effect up to first lactation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an ultra-diluted complex supplemented as a prophylactic strategy on the incidence risk of diseases, metabolism, and performance of weaned Holstein calves immediately after grouping. Additionally, the objective was to investigate the carryover effects on heifer-raising and first-lactation periods, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 184 weaned Holstein calves (83 ± 7.9 d of life; 112.5 ± 11.7 kg of body weight; values are mean ± standard deviation) were allocated to 8 paddocks in a completely randomized block design experiment. During a 112-d period, animals received a total mixed ration and were randomly allocated into 2 groups: (1) CON: placebo-control (basal diet + calcium carbonate, top-dressed at 30 g/animal per day of placebo), or (2) UD: ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + TopVita-Real H, top-dressed at 30 g/animal per day of sulfur (10-60) + viola tricolor (10-14) + caladium seguinum (10-30) + zincum oxydatum (10-30) + phosphorus (10-60) + carduus marianus (10-60) + colibacillinum (10-30) + podophyllum (10-30) + vehicle: calcium carbonate; quantum sufficit 1 kg). Incidence risk of diseases, number of days with disease, and mortality events were recorded daily. Performance measurements and blood collection were carried out at enrollment and every 28 d until the end of the study period. The incidence risk of digestive problems was higher for the CON group. Additionally, the CON group had higher cumulative number of days per calf affected by tick-borne disease. Blood analysis revealed that CON calves had increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin amount and concentration than UD calves on d 28 after enrollment and had increased serum albumin and total protein concentration on d 84. Furthermore, higher albumin to globulin ratio was found in CON calves than in those of UD group at enrollment; however, on d 56, the inverse was observed. On d 28 after enrollment, CON calves had increased serum cortisol concentration. Regarding body measurements, higher withers height and body depth were detected in UD calves, on d 28 and d 84, respectively. Finally, higher culling risk was observed in the CON group during the heifer-raising period. In conclusion, a lower incidence risk of digestive problems and days with tick-borne disease were detected in the UD group. Additionally, systemic inflammation was improved by UD complex based on circulating inflammation and stress biomarkers on specific days after enrollment. However, UD product did not improve performance at the post-weaning, heifer-raising, and first-lactation periods.

Effects of canola oil and antioxidants on performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and rumen fermentation patterns of Nellore cattle.

Several nutritional strategies have been used in beef cattle production in order to increase animal performance and profitability. However, in the past two decades, the increase of consumer preference for functional foods has driven the investigation for improving food via adding functional substances to animal diets. We evaluated the effect of canola oil supplementation associated with vitamin E and selenium on performance, rumen metabolism, carcass traits, meat tenderness, and serum, liver, and meat status of antioxidants in finishing Nellore males. Animals were fed for 106 days in a feedlot and were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two levels of oil in the diet (no inclusion and 3% canola oil, defined as diet without oil inclusion (NO) and effect of oil (OIL), respectively) and two levels of antioxidants in the diet (no inclusion and 2.5 mg of Se/kg of DM + 500 UI of vitamin E/kg of DM, defined as diet without antioxidant inclusion (NA) and effect of the antioxidants (ANT), respectively). DM intake (kg/day) was evaluated daily; performance and serum were analysed at the beginning of the feedlot and every 28 days. Animals were slaughtered and hot carcass weight (kg) was recorded; ruminal fluid and liver samples were collected. At 24 h postmortem, carcass pH was recorded and the Longissimus thoracis was sampled. There was no significant effect of the OIL*ANT interaction (P > 0.05) for any trait evaluated. Bulls fed OIL presented greater final BW (P < 0.01), average daily gain (kg/day; P < 0.01), feed efficiency (P < 0.01), rump fat thickness (P8RF; P < 0.05), and greater tenderness; the ANT diet increased P8RF (P < 0.05). The levels of selenium and vitamin E in serum, liver, and meat were increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ANT. ANT did not change triiodothyronine (T3, ng/mL) and thyroxine (T4, µg/gL) serum concentrations but decreased serum glucose levels. The treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) ruminal parameters or the protozoa population. Our results showed that the inclusion of 3% canola oil in the diet DM increased performance, feed efficiency, carcass fat deposition, and tenderness, with no effect on rumen fermentation and protozoa population of Nellore cattle in a feedlot system. The inclusion of ANT in the cattle diet did not affect performance or rumen parameters. However, the levels of ANT were increased in the serum, liver, and meat, enriching the final product with these compounds.

In vitro and in silico assessment of antitumor properties and biomolecular binding studies for two new complexes based on NiII bearing k2N,S-donor ligands.

This work deals with two new molecule-based materials, namely NiII-complexes of general formulae [Ni(L1)2] (Ni1) and [Ni(L2)2] (Ni2), where L1 = trans-cinnamaldehyde-N(4)-methyl thiosemicarbazone and L2 = trans-cinnamaldehyde-N(4)-ethyl thiosemicarbazone, as potential antitumor agents. Both compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity and spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and NMR). Their molecular structures were obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Each one crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P 21/c, also the asymmetric unit comprises of one NiII ion located on an inversion centre and one anionic ligand, which acts as a κ2N,S-donor affording a five-membered metallaring. The compounds were screened against two selected tumour cell lines (MCF-7 and A549) and non-tumour fibroblasts cell line (MRC-5) via MTT assays. In both tumour cells, all compounds exhibited higher cytotoxicity than the control drug (cisplatin). The IC50 values ranges of 3.70 - 41.37 µM and 1.06 - 14.91 µM were found for MCF-7 and A549, respectively. Importantly, all of them were less toxicity than cisplatin in MRC-5 with SI values ranged at 11.80 - 86.60. The red blood cell (RBC) assay revealed Ni2 as non-toxic due to its reduced haemolytic effect (0--9% at 1--10 µM). The DNA binding was investigated through a combination of spectrophotometric absorption and emission titrations, electrophoresis, and circular dichroism experiments. As a result, these metal complexes were not able to strongly binding to DNA (Kb values ~104 mol L--1) but suggesting groove-binding interactions. The scavenging ability of them towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical was also evaluated in this work, but no important antioxidant behaviour was detected. Further, the interaction of Ni1 and Ni2 to human serum albumin (HSA) was explored by quenching of tryptophan emission, warfarin competitive assay, and molecular docking protocols. The HSA binding analyses indicated good affinity of both complexes to Sudlow site I (Kb values ⁓103 mol L-1).

Caffeine exposure ameliorates acute ischemic cell death in avian developing retina.

In infants, the main cause of blindness is retinopathy of prematurity that stems in a hypoxic-ischemic condition. Caffeine is a psychoactive compound that at low to moderate concentrations, selectively inhibits adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. Caffeine exerts beneficial effects in central nervous system of adult animal models and humans, whereas it seems to have malefic effect on the developing tissue. We observed that 48-h exposure (during synaptogenesis) to a moderate dose of caffeine (30 mg/kg of egg) activated pro-survival signaling pathways, including ERK, CREB, and Akt phosphorylation, alongside BDNF production, and reduced retinal cell death promoted by oxygen glucose deprivation in the chick retina. Blockade of TrkB receptors and inhibition of CREB prevented caffeine protection effect. Similar signaling pathways were described in previously reported data concerning chemical preconditioning mechanism triggered by NMDA receptors activation, with low concentrations of agonist. In agreement to these data, caffeine increased NMDA receptor activity. Caffeine decreased the levels of the chloride co-transporter KCC2 and delayed the developmental shift on GABAA receptor response from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing. These results suggest that the caffeine-induced delaying in depolarizing effect of GABA could be facilitating NMDA receptor activity. DPCPX, an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, but not A2A receptor inhibitor, mimicked the effect of caffeine, suggesting that the effect of caffeine occurs through A1 receptor blockade. In summary, an in vivo caffeine exposure could increase the resistance of the retina to ischemia-induced cell death, by triggering survival pathways involving CREB phosphorylation and BDNF production/TrkB activation.

Performance, carcass traits and serum metabolomic profile of Nellore males with different genetic potential for post-weaning growth.

The BW has been largely used as a selection criterion in genetic selection programmes; however, increases in BW can affect animal metabolism and metabolites. The knowledge of how genetic potential for growth affects the metabolites can give a footprint of growth metabolism. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic potential for post-weaning growth (GG) on performance, carcass traits and serum metabolome of non-castrated Nellore males during the finishing phase. Forty-eight Nellore non-castrated males, with divergent potential for post-weaning growth, were selected and divided into two groups: high potential for post-weaning growth (HG; n = 24) and low potential for post-weaning growth (LG; n = 24). Animals were kept and fed for 90 days where performance and ultrasound carcass traits were evaluated. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of feeding period to analyse serum metabolites concentration. The hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were recorded at slaughter. The feedlot performance and carcass traits were not affected by genetic potential. The HG animals had a lower glucose (P = 0.039), glutamate (P = 0.038), glutamine (P = 0.004), greater betaine (P = 0.039) and pyruvate (P = 0.039) compared to the LG group at the beginning of feedlot. In addition, higher creatine phosphate concentrations were observed at the beginning of feeding period, compared to final, for both groups (P = 0.039). In conclusion, the genetic potential for post-weaning growth does not affect performance and carcass traits during the finishing period. Differences in metabolite concentrations can be better found at the beginning of feedlot, providing a footprint of growth metabolism, but similar metabolite concentration at the end of finishing period.

Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with other protein sources in diets of lactating cows.

The protein nutrition of dairy cows is of great importance because of its direct influence on milk production, reproductive efficiency, and feeding cost. Eight first-lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two contemporary 4 × 4 Latin squares in a 2 × 2 factorial design to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with yeast-derived microbial protein (YMP) as a protein source (0% or 1.5% of dry matter (DM)) and its combination with slow-release urea (SRU; 0% or 0.75% of DM) on DM intake and milk production and composition, as well as blood parameters and nitrogen balance. Each experimental period lasted 28 days, with 21 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection. The diets were formulated to attend the nutritional recommendations of the National Research Council and consisted of 49% forage (47% corn silage and 2% Tifton hay) and 51% concentrate, with 16.8% CP and 1.6 Mcal net energy for lactation/kg DM. For diets without YMP, the inclusion of SRU decreased DM intake, milk production as well as N intake and balance, but did not affect efficiency of production, milk composition or most of blood parameters. On the contrary, for diets with YMP, DM intake and milk production were increased by inclusion of SRU, while minor effects were observed for milk efficiency and composition, blood parameters as well as N intake, excretion and balance. When diets with SRU were compared, the inclusion of YMP increased DM intake, 4% fat-corrected milk, and N intake and balance (P<0.05), with no differences in milk production (kg/day), milk energy, efficiency of milk production or most of the blood parameters. For diets without SRU, YMP inclusion decreased DM intake, milk production, milk energy, N intake, fecal N and N balance (P<0.05), with no effects on milk efficiency and composition, or most of blood parameters. In conclusion, the use of YMP, SRU or both as partial substitutes of soybean meal in the diet of lactating cows has no negative effects on productivity parameters.

Periductal Lymphocytic Infiltrate at Bilary Atresia Diagnosis Increases the Risk of Addition to the Transplant Waitlist.

PURPOSE: Biliary atresia (BA) is the main indication for pediatric liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to correlate aspects of histological examinations of diagnostic hepatic biopsies for BA with the patients' clinical progression and successful addition to the liver transplant waitlist. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all 108 BA cases treated at the Federal University of São Paulo (1998-2015). Demographic and clinical data were correlated with histological findings. A logistic regression was used for outcome analysis, while the Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis. RESULTS: There were 108 patients with BA, 68.5% of whom underwent Kasai surgery. Patients added to the transplant waitlist tended to undergo Kasai surgery at a later time (P = .035). Periductal lymphocytic infiltrate was correlated with the addition to the transplant waitlist, with an odds ratio of 3.92 (P = .033). Patients who developed ascites after surgery were more frequently added to the transplant waitlist (P = .05). CONCLUSION: Patients added to the transplant waitlist underwent Kasai surgery later than other patients. Periductal lymphocytic infiltrate in the diagnostic hepatic biopsy and ascites after Kasai surgery were associated with an increased likelihood of addition to the transplant waitlist.

Small-for-pregnancy-age rats submitted to exercise: DNA damage in mothers and newborns, measured by the comet assay.

BACKGROUND: Fetal impairment caused by a deleterious intrauterine environment may have long-term consequences, such as oxidative stress and genetic damage. Rats born as small-for-gestational-age (SPA) were submitted to exercise (swimming) before and during pregnancy. The animals exhibited glucose intolerance, reduced general adiposity, and increased maternal and offspring organ weight, showing the benefit of exercise for these rats. We hypothesised that regular exercise in SPA during gestation could prevent DNA damage in these animals and in their offspring, contributing to altered fetal programming of metabolism in the offspring. Severe diabetes was induced by streptozotocin treatment, to obtain SPA newborns. At adulthood, pregnant SPA rats were randomly distributed into two groups: exercised (SPAex - submitted to swimming program) or not-exercised (SPA - sedentary rats). Post-partum, blood was collected for analysis of DNA damage (comet assay) and oxidative stress. SPAex rats presented lower DNA damage levels, decreased lipid peroxidation, and a lower rate of newborns classified as large-for-pregnancy-age. DNA damage was also lower in SPAex newborns. We conclude that swimming applied to SPA pregnant rats contributes to decreased DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the dams, and decreased DNA damage and macrosomia in their offspring.

Evaluation of survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparative analysis of prognostic systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are several prognostic systems that address different aspects of the patient and the tumour and can guide the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the eight staging systems for a group of patients in a public service in Brazil. METHODS: Patients with HCC were retrospectively analysed between 2000 and 2012. The prognostic systems Okuda, The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), the Chinese University Prognostic Index (CUPI), Groupe d'Etude et de Traitément du Carcinome Hepatocellulaire (GRETCH), the modified TNM-based Japan Integrated Score (JIS) combined with alpha-fetoprotein and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), the TNM system, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification (BCLC) were applied to these patients and compared through model fit measurements, likelihood scores, and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were studied. The average survival time was 60 months. The TNM, Okuda, CLIP, GRETCH, modified JIS, and BCLC systems were well correlated with one another and individually important to the prediction of survival among the patients studied. However, in the statistical analysis, the CUPI delivered the best predictive performance (AIC = 566; log-likelihood = -281,240). CONCLUSION: Although the CUPI system was demonstrated to be the most appropriate HCC staging system for the studied population, the choice of an ideal system is a controversial subject, and future studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary for the validation of the CUPI system as the method of choice for other populations.

Effect of dose and timing of prostaglandin F2α treatments during a Resynch protocol on luteal regression and fertility to timed artificial insemination in lactating Holstein cows.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a second PGF2α treatment (25 mg of dinoprost) or a double dose of PGF2α (50 mg of dinoprost) during a Resynch protocol on luteal regression and pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) in lactating dairy cows. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 1,100) were randomly assigned at a nonpregnancy diagnosis to receive (1) Ovsynch (control: 100 µg of GnRH; 7 d, 25 mg of PGF2α; 56 h, 100 µg of GnRH), (2) Ovsynch with a second PGF2α treatment (GPPG: 100 µg of GnRH; 7 d, 25 mg of PGF2α; 24 h, 25 mg of PGF2α; 32 h, 100 µg of GnRH), or (3) Ovsynch with a double dose of PGF2α (GDDP: 100 µg of GnRH; 7 d, 50 mg of PGF2α; 56 h, 100 µg of GnRH). All cows received timed artificial insemination (TAI) approximately 16 h after the second GnRH treatment (G2). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal palpation 39 ± 3 d after TAI, and pregnancy status was reconfirmed 66 d after TAI. Blood samples collected from a subset of cows in each treatment at the first PGF2α treatment (n = 394) and at G2 (n = 367) were assayed for progesterone (P4). Data were analyzed by logistic regression using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). At 39 d after TAI, GPPG cows tended to have more P/AI than control cows [35% (137/387) vs. 31% (107/349)], whereas P/AI for GDDP cows [32% (118/364)] did not differ from that for control cows. Pregnancy loss from 38 to 66 d did not differ among treatments and was 8% (30/362). The percentage of cows with complete luteal regression (P4 <0.4 ng/mL at G2) tended to differ among treatments and was greater for GPPG cows than for GDDP and control cows (94% vs. 88% vs. 88%, respectively). Overall, cows with P4 <1 ng/mL at the first PGF2α treatment had fewer P/AI than cows with P4 ≥1 ng/mL (27% vs. 38%), whereas cows with P4 ≥0.4 ng/mL at G2 had fewer P/AI than cows with P4 <0.4 ng/mL (15% vs. 38%). We conclude that adding a second PGF2α treatment 24 h after the first within a Resynch protocol tended to increase the proportion of cows undergoing complete luteal regression and P/AI, whereas treatment with a double dose of PGF2α at a single time did not.

Effects of immunocastration and a ß-adrenergic agonist on retail cuts of feedlot finished Nellore cattle.

Immunocastration (ImC) has been proposed as an animal welfare-friendly alternative to reduce sexual and aggressive behavior and to increase carcass fat deposition with positive effects on meat quality. The ß-adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) are known as repartitioning agents that acts increasing lean tissue deposition. The combined use of these technologies can positively affect meat quality and increase retail cuts yield. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of ImC and ß-AA (zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH)) on retail cuts, bones, and fat trim of feedlot finished Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle. No interaction was observed between sexual condition and diet for any trait. The ImC decreased cold carcass, hindquarter (HQ), forequarter (FQ) and combined brisket, short ribs and flank (BSF) weights. The ImC also showed smaller weights of retail cuts and bones on the HQ and on the FQ than non-castrated (NoC). Fat trim weights did not differ from ImC and NoC. The most of subprimal cuts were heavier in NoC than in ImC. Feeding ß-AA did not affect cold carcass weight; however, animals fed ZH had higher weights of HQ and retail cuts in HQ when compared with RH and control (CO) group, with no differences between RH and CO for both traits. The weights of FQ, BSF, retail cuts in FQ, as well as bones and fat trimmings were not affected by ß-AA. In summary, ImC decreases carcass and retail cut weights, whereas ZH supplementation leads to an improvement in carcass lean tissue and retail cuts.

Association of changes among body condition score during the transition period with NEFA and BHBA concentrations, milk production, fertility, and health of Holstein cows.

Our objective was to evaluate the association between body condition score (BCS) change during the transition period with fertility, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations, milk yield, and health problems of Holstein cows in a retrospective cohort study. Holstein cows (n = 232) were assessed for BCS (5 point scale; 0.25 point increments) and had blood collected at 21 and 7 d before, on the day of, and 7 and 21 d after calving. Blood samples were assayed for NEFA and BHBA concentrations. All cows received a timed artificial insemination (TAI) at 65 ± 3 days in milk (DIM) following a Presynch-Ovsynch protocol with a progesterone implant during the Ovsynch protocol. Cows were grouped based on BCS change after calving as to whether they: 1) lost (L), 2) maintained (M), or 3) gained (G) BCS. Data were analyzed by logistic regression with GLIMMIX and ANOVA with repeated measures using the MIXED procedures of SAS. Both NEFA and BHBA concentrations after calving differed (P < 0.01) for cows that lost, maintained, or gained BCS from 21 d before to 21 d after calving (NEFA: 0.51 ± 0.01; 0.45 ± 0.01; 0.42 ± 0.01 mmol/L; BHBA: 0.73 ± 0.02; 0.70 ± 0.02; 0.68 ± 0.02 mmol/L; respectively; mean ± SEM). By design, BCS change after calving differed (P < 0.01) among groups and was -0.38; 0.00; and 0.35 for cows in groups L, M, and G, respectively. At 21 d before and 21 d after calving, BCS differed (P < 0.01) among groups and was [before (2.97, 2.70, and 2.57) and after (2.54, 2.70, and 2.90)] for cows in groups L, M, and G, respectively. Between evaluated days, higher circulating NEFA and BHBA concentrations were observed 7 d after calving. Change in BCS affected (P < 0.01) pregnancy/AI (P/AI), days to first ovulation, and percentage of cyclic cows at 50 DIM. At 32 d after TAI, P/AI differed (P < 0.01) for cows that lost [18% (11/84)], maintained [33% (26/80)], or gained [47% (32/68)] BCS. Cows that lost BCS during the transition period had more health events (P < 0.01), than cows that gained or maintained BCS. In conclusion, changes in BCS during the transition period affected NEFA and BHBA concentrations, fertility, and occurrence of health problems during the lactation.

Effects of changes in micro-weather conditions on structural features, total protein and carbohydrate content in leaves of the Atlantic rain forest tree golden trumpet (Tabebuia chrysotricha) / Efeito de alterações nas condições micro-climáticas sobre características estruturais, e proteína e carboidratos histoquimicamente marcados, de folhas da árvore da floresta Atlântica ipê amarelo

Abstract Golden trumpet, Tabebuia chrysotricha, is a native tree from the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest, with a broad latitudinal distribution. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of short-term changes in micro-weather conditions on structural features, and total protein and carbohydrate content of golden trumpet leaves, using structural and histochemical approaches. Leaves were harvested in four different micro-weather conditions: 1. Afternoon, after a hot, sunny day; 2. at dawn, after a previously hot, sunny day; 3. at noon, of a hot, sunny day; and 4. at noon, of a cold, cloudy day. Leaflets exposed to low light irradiance showed flattened chloroplasts, uniformly distributed within the cells, throughout the palisade parenchyma. Conversely, leaflets exposed to high light irradiance presented flattened and rounded chloroplasts, in the upper and lower palisade parenchyma cells, respectively. The strongest protein staining was found for leaves harvested at the coldest period, whereas the weakest protein staining was found for leaves harvested after a hot, sunny day. The largest and most numerous starch grains were found for leaves harvested in the afternoon, after a hot, sunny day. Conversely, the smallest and less numerous starch grains were found for leaves harvested at dawn. Analysis of the data reported herein suggests that the leaflet responses to transient changes in micro-weather conditions are likely to contribute to the golden trumpet successful establishment in the broad latitudinal distribution in which the species is found.

Resumo Ipê amarelo é uma árvore nativa da floresta Atlântica brasileira, encontrada em uma ampla distribuição latitudinal. Neste estudo, nós investigamos os efeitos potenciais de alterações de curto prazo nas condições micro-climáticas sobre características estruturais, proteína e carboidratos histoquimicamente marcados, de folhas de ipê amarelo, usando estratégias de análise estrutural e histoquímicas. As folhas foram marcadas em quatro condições microclimáticas distintas: 1. Tarde, após um dia quente e ensolarado; 2. Amanhecer, após um dia quente e ensolarado; 3. Ao meio-dia, de um dia quente e ensolarado; e 4. Ao meio-dia, de um dia frio e nublado. Folíolos expostos à baixa irradiância luminosa apresentaram cloroplastos achatados, uniformemente distribuídos no interior das células, por todo o parênquima paliçádico, enquanto que folíolos expostos à alta irradiância apresentaram cloroplastos achatados e arredondados, nas células superiores e inferiores do parênquima paliçádico, respectivamente. A marcação mais intensa para proteína foi observada para folhas coletadas no momento mais frio de coleta, enquanto que a marcação mais fraca foi observada para folhas coletadas após um dia quente e ensolarado. Os grãos de amido maiores e mais numerosos foram observados em folhas coletadas durante a tarde de dia quente e ensolarado, enquanto que os menores e menos numerosos grãos de amido foram observados em folhas coletadas ao amanhecer.

Effects of hydroxychloride sources of copper, zinc, and manganese on measures of supplement intake, mineral status, and pre- and postweaning performance of beef calves.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of Cu, Zn, and Mn source on measures of 1) preferential intake of mineral-concentrated supplements and 2) mineral status and pre- and postweaning performance of beef calves. In Exp. 1, 4 trials were conducted to assess the effect of source of Cu (750 mg/kg; Trial 1), Zn (2,000 mg/kg; Trial 2), Mn (3,000 mg/kg; Trial 3), and all 3 elements (Trial 4) on preferential intake of mineral-concentrated supplements. Supplements differed only by source of Cu, Zn, and Mn, which included hydroxychloride (hydroxy), sulfate, and organic options. In each trial, the 3 supplements were simultaneously offered to 8 pens of early-weaned calves (2 calves/pen; 126 ± 8.0 kg average BW) for a 4-h period and preferential intake was determined. When offered the opportunity to select among 3 supplement options, calves consumed more ( < 0.001) supplement containing hydroxy vs. organic or sulfate sources of Cu (Trial 1), Zn (Trial 2), and Mn (Trial 3). In Trial 4, when all 3 elements were combined within a single supplement, calves almost exclusively selected ( < 0.001) the hydroxy vs. organic or sulfate sources (82.9, 10.4, and 6.7% of total supplement intake, respectively [SEM 3.16]). In Exp. 2, calves were supplemented at a rate of 114 g/calf daily for 84 d before weaning (2 calves/pasture; 10 and 12 pastures in yr 1 and 2, respectively). Supplements were formulated to contain no supplemental minerals (control); hydroxy Cu, Zn, and Mn; or copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and manganese oxide (sulfate/oxide). Total supplement intake was greater ( = 0.01) for calves consuming the hydroxy vs. the sulfate/oxide sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn (9.0 vs. 7.2 kg [SEM 0.45]). Preweaning calf BW gain did not differ ( ≥ 0.15) among treatments; however, calves provided mineral-fortified supplements had greater ( = 0.003) liver concentrations of Co and Se and tended ( = 0.07) to have greater liver concentrations of Cu at weaning compared with the controls. Calves provided mineral-fortified vs. control supplements had greater ( ≤ 0.05) peak concentrations of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin and less BW gain during in the 16-d postweaning period. These data demonstrate greater voluntary intake of mineral-concentrated supplements among calves offered hydroxy vs. sulfate or organic sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn. Preweaning mineral-fortified supplementation increased calf mineral status, heightened inflammatory responsiveness, and decreased BW gain during the immediate postweaning period.

Effects of immunocastration and ß-adrenergic agonists on the performance and carcass traits of feedlot finished Nellore cattle.

ß-Adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) are non-hormonal growth promoters which promote muscle hypertrophy in supplemented animals. The effects of two ß-AA in combination with the immunocastration technique on the performance and carcass traits were evaluated using 96 feedlot Nellore males in a randomized complete block design with two sex conditions (immunocastrated (IC) v. non-castrated (NC)) and three treatments: CON (no ß-agonists added), RH (300 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/day, for 33 days) or ZH (80 mg of zilpaterol·hydrochloride animal/day for 30 days, removed 3 days for required withdrawal period). The trial was carried for 100 days where in the first 70 days animals did not receive ß-AA (phase 1) and during the last 30 days they were treated with ß-AA (phase 2). The performance and ultrasound measurements of longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT) were evaluated in both phases. No sex condition v. treatment interactions were observed for any trait. The NC animals had higher average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than the IC animals, but they did not differ in dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (gain to feed). The NC animals showed greater LMA (P=0.0001) and hot carcass weight (P=0.0006), and smaller BFT (P=0.0007), RFT (P=0.0039) and percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat (P<0.0001) when compared with IC animals. The animals fed ZH showed greater ADG (P=0.0002), G : F (P<0.0001) and dressing per cent (P=0.0136) than those fed RH and CON diets. No differences in BW and DMI were observed. A interaction between treatment and time on feed was observed for LMA and BFT, in which the animals fed ZH diet showed greater LMA (P<0.01) and lower BFT (P<0.01) at 100 days than the animals fed RH and CON diets, whereas RH and CON diets did not differ. Immunocastration decreases muscle development and increases carcass finishing. In contrast, ß-AA increases muscle and decreases fat deposition. The ZH has a higher action on the muscle metabolism than animals fed RH diet. However, RH diet achieves a better balance because it has an intermediary performance between non-supplemented and ZH animals and does not decrease the carcass fat.

Evaluation of Food Lures for Capture and Monitoring of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Temperate Fruit Trees.

The Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the main pest of fruit trees grown in temperate climates in the southern region of Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the major commercial food lures used in Brazil for trapping and monitoring of A. fraterculus in plum, pear, and feijoa orchards. The assessed lures were hydrolyzed proteins of animal origin (CeraTrap) and plant origin (BioAnastrepha), torula yeast + borax (Torula), and grape juice. Response variables included the rate of adult capture (flies per trap per day, FTD) and the percentage of females captured. We also evaluated the number of times the weekly capture rate exceeded the traditional threshold of 0.5 FTD for each lure. Traps baited with grape juice, currently used for monitoring A. fraterculus in Southern Brazil, captured fewer adults and a lower percentage of females compared with the other lures. CeraTrap trapped a greater number of A. fraterculus adults and, in some cases, a lower percentage of females compared with the other lures in pears. Traps baited with CeraTrap had greater capture rates (FTD), particularly during the stages of fruit maturation and harvest, and even in years with low population density of A. fraterculus, thus demonstrating greater sensitivity in the detection of this pest. These results show that, in order to detect and monitor the presence of A. fraterculus in plum, feijoa, and pear crops, protein-based lures are superior to grape juice, especially the animal protein CeraTrap.

Artepillin C and phenolic compounds responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of green propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.

AIMS: This study investigates the antimicrobial activity in Staphylococcus aureus isolates (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and antioxidant activity of green propolis, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC extracts and Artepillin C™. METHODS AND RESULTS: The amount of Artepillin C in different extracts was determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90) was determined using 40 isolates of S. aureus inoculated in Müeller-Hinton agar culture medium containing the green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC extracts. PVEE (green propolis ethanolic extract) and BDEH (B. dracunculifolia hexanic extract) showed the greatest antimicrobial activity with MIC90 values of 246·3 and 295·5 µg ml-1 respectively. Green propolis ethanolic and hexanic extracts (PVEE and PVEH respectively) showed the greatest antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical) with IC50 values of 13·09 and 95·86 µg ml-1 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Green propolis ethanolic displays better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to other extracts. These activities may be related to the presence of Artepillin C in synergism with the other constituents of the extracts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC demonstrated in MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates indicated that they can be important tools to treat infections caused by these bacteria.