Post-mortem detection of hemoplasmas (hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) in South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) sampled in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that attaches to erythrocytes surface, which some species presents zoonotic concerns. In the suborder Pinnipedia, genera Otaria and Arctocephalus are prominent in Brazil. This study investigated the occurrence of hemoplasmas in Arctocephalus sp. and Otaria flavescens found dead along the coast of a Southern Brazilian State. DNA from 135 spleen samples were extracted and subjected to conventional PCR protocols, targeting the 16 S rRNA and 23 S rRNA gene. Three (2.22 %) Arctocephalus australis were positive in the 16 S rRNA gene, and no samples amplified in the 23 S rRNA gene. Samples from this study clustered with Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus tropicalis mycoplasmas on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis suggested distinct genotypes, indicating A. australis as a new host for hemoplasma, and also a potential putative novel hemoplasma genotype. These findings raises future awareness for pinnipeds conservation, and adds Mycoplasma spp. to be taken into consideration when clinically evaluating rescued animals.

Physiological Responses of Minimally Processed Sweet Potatoes Grown with Increasing Doses of Phosphate Fertilizer.

The present work aimed to study oxidative damage and protection, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and the quality of minimally processed colored sweet potatoes cultivated with increments in P2O5 fertilization. Sweet potato was cultivated with 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1 of P2O5. The roots were harvested, and the P content in the roots and leaves was quantified. The roots were minimally processed and kept for 20 days at 5 °C. In general, the roots that were fertilized with P2O5 showed a higher content of the analyzed variables. The highest P dosage in the soil increased the P content in roots and leaves and the agro-industrial yield. Roots cultivated with P2O5 showed a higher content of hydrogen peroxide, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, yellow flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method, and higher activity of the enzymes polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. These results demonstrated the role of phosphorus in protecting against oxidative damage due to the accumulation of bioactive compounds, thus improving the physicochemical quality of minimally processed orange sweet potato.

Nanocellulose-based tannin-immobilized biosorbent for efficient copper ion removal.

Tannins, which are water-soluble polyhydroxyphenols found in plant structures, offer a sustainable alternative to inorganic products for treating effluents. To overcome their solubility in water, new methods have been developed to immobilize tannin on materials such as nanocellulose, resulting in tannin-based adsorbents. This study investigates the production of different types of tannin-based adsorbents immobilized on nanocellulose nanofibrils using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The adsorbents were characterized for their morphology, chemical composition, tannin leaching, thermal stability, and copper adsorption capacity. The main results showed that tannin leaching from the adsorbents in water was greatly reduced with glutaraldehyde. Scanning electron microscopy images showed tannin coating on the surface of nanocellulose nanofibrils due to immobilization. The lyophilized adsorbent was effective in adsorbing Cu (II) within 1 min, with the adsorbed amount increasing gradually until stabilization after 45 min. Overall, this study suggests that tannin immobilized on nanofibrillated cellulose has the potential to offer a sustainable and renewable alternative for effluent treatment.

Description of Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a parasite of the great horned owl (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in southern Brazil.

In 2020, adult hard ticks (males and females) were collected from great horned owls [Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788)] in the coastal region in southern Brazil. The engorged females were allowed to oviposit in the laboratory and hatched larvae could be obtained. Analyses of the external morphology of the adult ticks revealed that they represent a new species, which was named Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the nuclear second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) were generated from a male and a female. Their 16S rRNA haplotypes were identical to each other and closest (96% identity) to corresponding sequences of Amblyomma parvitarsum Neumann, 1901, and 90% identical to Amblyomma neumanni Ribaga, 1902. Their ITS2 haplotypes were 95.8 to 96.0 identical to the single ITS-2 partial sequence of A. parvitarsum available in GenBank. In the phylogenetic trees inferred by both 16S rRNA and ITS2 partial sequences, A. monteiroae n. sp. formed a clade with A. parvitarsum, with A. neumanni branching sister to this clade. Amblyomma monteiroae n. sp. is genetically and morphologically related to A. parvitarsum. Both tick species are unique in combining the following morphological characters: scutum extensively ornate; eyes rounded and bulging; coxa I with two moderate pointed spurs, the external longer than the internal; a single triangular short spur on coxae II-III; presence of two spines on the tibia of legs II-IV; hypostomal dentition 3/3, trochanters without spurs. However, the males of the two species can be separated by specific features in palps and festoons, whereas the females differ in specific features of the coxal spurs. The larva of A. monteiroae n. sp. can be morphologically distinguished from A. parvitarsum only by morphometry, with the former species being slightly smaller. Currently, A. monteiroae n. sp. is restricted to southern Brazil, and the only known host is B. virginianus (Strigiformes: Strigidae). The present study increases the Amblyomma Brazilian fauna to 34 species.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus Isolated from Brazilian Cerrado Soil Act as Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria.

The phosphate-solubilizing microorganism is essential for soil quality and plant development and can serve as an alternative to reduce such Brazilian needs for importing phosphate overseas. Here, we isolated and selected bacteria from Brazilian Cerrado soils capable of solubilize phosphate. We obtained 53 bacteria isolates, of which 23 could solubilize phosphate at a pH of 7.0, 17 could solubilize phosphate at a pH of 6.0, and 8 could solubilize at a pH of 5.5. Using 16S rRNA gene sequences, we identified nine bacteria species clustered in four groups: Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Priestia sp., and Klebsiella sp. Our results revealed that the UFT01 (P. aeruginosa) and UFT42 (B. cereus) isolates exhibited the best phosphate solubilization performance at all tested pH values. We further recorded higher levels of solubilization and phosphate availability six days after the soil inoculation with P. aeruginosa, and enzymatic analysis of the soil samples revealed that the P. aeruginosa-inoculated samples resulted in four-fold higher enzymatic activities when compared to non-inoculated soils. The B. cereus soil inoculation increased ß-glucosidase activities and resulted in reduced the activities of arylsulfatase. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that P. aeruginosa and B. cereus isolated from Cerrado soils showed high phosphate solubilization potential.

Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) in southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the "Mycoplasma haemofelis group", which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the "Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus.

Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) in southern Brazil / Levantamento molecular de micoplasma hemotrópico em mão-pelada (Procyon cancrivorus) do sul do Brasil

Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the "Mycoplasma haemofelis group", which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the "Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus.(AU)

Os micoplasmas hemotrópicos (hemoplasmas) são parasitas bacterianos não-cultiváveis de eritrócitos que infectam tanto animais domésticos e selvagens, como seres humanos. A transmissão e a patogênese são discutíveis e difíceis de avaliar em animais selvagens. O mão pelada (Procyon cancrivorus) é um carnívoro Sul-americano, que ocorre em todos os biomas brasileiros. O objetivo do presente estudo é o de investigar a ocorrência de hemoplasmas infectando P. cancrivorus e identificar seu gene 16S rRNA no Sul do Brasil. O DNA foi extraído do baço e amostras de sangue de P. cancrivorus (n= 9). O DNA de hemoplasma foi detectado em seis amostras, com base na amplificação do gene 16S rRNA e na análise filogenética. Quatro das seis sequências pertencem ao "Grupo Mycoplasma haemofelis", que estão intimamente relacionadas aos genótipos detectados no Procyon lotor dos EUA; uma dentro do "Grupo Mycoplasma suis", que está intimamente relacionado ao "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum", e uma dentro do grupo intermediário entre esses clusters, mostrando assim que há uma diversidade genética de hemoplasmas na população estudada. Em cinco animais positivos, foram coletados carrapatos Amblyomma aureolatum e uma pulga Ctenocephalides felis. O presente estudo traz a primeira detecção molecular de micoplasmas em P. cancrivorus.(AU)

First report of canine rangeliosis in domestic dogs from different regions of Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Rangeliosis is the disease caused by Rangelia vitalii, a parasite reported in dogs from southeastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. This protozoan is transmitted by the ixodid Amblyomma aureolatum, and infects erythrocytes, leukocytes, and vascular endothelial cells of the host. The common clinical signs, such as prostration, fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, weight loss, and dehydration, are also found in other infections, like canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. The similar clinical presentation with other diseases, as well as the indistinguishable morphology with intraerythrocytic Babesia canis, complicates the disease diagnostic. In the present study, blood samples from dogs presenting clinical signs compatible with hemoparasitosis were investigated for rangeliosis. The dogs were treated at veterinary clinics in the cities of Blumenau and Lages, in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Blood samples from 17 dogs were analyzed by PCR. The samples were screened by a conventional piroplasma-PCR and the positives confirmed by a specific R. vitalii-qPCR. Two animals (2/17; 11.8%) were positive for R. vitalii, one from Blumenau and the other from Lages. Both animals presented unspecific signs of hemoparasitosis, such as apathy, anemia, and anorexia. The results indicate the necessity of molecular assays for the proper identification of the hemoparasite, and to investigate the real prevalence of rangeliosis in the State of Santa Catarina.

Epidemiological compatibility of Amblyomma sculptum as possible vector and Panthera onca as reservoir of Cytauxzoon spp. in Midwestern Brazil.

Cytauxzoonosis is an acute and highly lethal tick-borne disease of wild and domestic cats, and is widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Europe, the USA and Brazil. So far, only two tick species present on the USA are experimentally confirmed in Cytauxzoon transmission however, in Brazil and other continents, the epidemiology of the disease remains unknown. Evidences points to Panthera onca as a possible reservoir, but there is no evidence to point the vector. Therefore, this study evaluates the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids from areas with and without records of Amblyomma sculptum this ixodid for comparison. Overall, 53 blood samples of P. onca, Puma concolor, and Leopardus pardalis from the Midwest region (MR; region with A. sculptum) and 143 blood and/or spleen samples from Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai, Leopardus guttulus, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, L. pardalis, and P. concolor from Rio Grande do Sul State (RS; without A. sculptum). Only one feline sample was negative for Cytauxzoon sp. from MR; no samples from RS were positive. In total, 507 ticks were identified from MR felids, with predominance of A. sculptum (69.23%). In RS, there were 93 ixodids, of which 90.32% were Amblyomma aureolatum. The difference in the tick fauna of the two regions studied (presence/absence of A. sculptum) reflects the results found. This study highlighted A. sculptum as a possible vector since this hemoparasite was abundantly observed in areas where it occurs, also, there was no evidence of Cytauxzoon spp. where it was absent. Additionally, the study supported the suggestion that P. onca is the reservoir for the agent in MR.

Molecular investigation of haemotropic mycoplasmas and Coxiella burnetii in free-living Xenarthra mammals from Brazil, with evidence of new haemoplasma species.

Although mammals of the superorder Xenarthra are considered hosts of a wide range of zoonotic agents, works aiming at investigating the role of these animals as hosts for bacteria with zoonotic potential are rare. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecularly characterize Coxiella burnetii and haemoplasma (haemotropic mycoplasmas) DNA in blood and spleen samples from 397 free-living Xenarthra mammals (233 sloths, 107 anteaters and 57 armadillos) in five Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Pará, Rondônia and Rio Grande do Sul). All biological samples from Xenarthra were negative in the qPCR for Coxiella burnetii based on the IS1111 gene. The absence of C. burnetii DNA in blood and spleen samples from Xenarthra suggests that these mammals may not act as possible hosts for this agent in the locations studied. When performed conventional PCR assays for the endogenous (gapdh) mammalian gene, 386 samples were positive. When screened by molecular assays based on the 16S rRNA gene of haemoplasmas, 81 samples were positive, of which 15.54% (60/386) were positive by conventional PCR and 5.44% (21/386) were positive by real-time PCR; three samples were positive in both assays. Of these, 39.74% (31/78) were also positive for the 23S rRNA gene and 7.69% (6/78) for the haemoplasma RNAse P gene. Among the samples positive for haemoplasmas, 25.64% (20/78) were obtained from anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga tridactyla), 39.74% (31/78) from sloths (Bradypus tridactylus, Bradypus sp. and Choloepus sp.) 34.61% (27/78) from armadillos (Priodontes maximus, Euphractus sexcinctus and Dasypus novemcinctus). A haemoplasma 16S rRNA sequence closely related and showing high identity (99.7%) to Mycoplasma wenyonii was detected, for the first time, in B. tridactylus. Based on the low identity and phylogenetic positioning of 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA sequences of haemoplasmas detected in anteaters and armadillos, the present study showed, for the first time, the occurrence of putative new Candidatus haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. ("Candidatus Mycoplasma haematotetradactyla" and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomaximus") in Xenarthra mammals from Brazil.

Association of Vitamin D Supplementation in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Strength in Adult Twins: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although vitamin D is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, there is no evidence in the literature about the genetic influence of the response to vitamin D supplementation and improvements in these parameters. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of longitudinal supplementation of vitamin D on parameters of physical fitness in monozygotic twins. In total, 74 participants were included, with a mean age of 25 years, divided into two groups, one group received supplementation with cholecalciferol for 60 days and the other group did not. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were measured before and after supplementation through maximal treadmill tests and dynamometry, respectively. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare intragroup results and the Mann-Whitney test to examine intergroup differences. There was an increase in the serum concentration of vitamin D in participants who ingested the supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved after supplementation through increases in the values of maximum oxygen consumption of 28% (p < .001). Muscle strength in left hand grip increased 18% in participants who received the supplement (p = .007). Sixty days of cholecalciferol supplementation improved cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb muscle strength.

Caroli syndrome in a dog / Síndrome de Caroli em um cão

Caroli syndrome is characterized by a combination of intrahepatic biliary ductal ectasia and congenital ductal fibrosis due to the failure of involution of ductal plates and large intrahepatic ducts. This study aims to report Caroli syndrome in a dog, with emphasis on clinical characteristics, complementary examinations, and diagnostic approach. A 1-year-old mixed-breed intact male dog was presented with a 7-day history of acute vomiting and anorexia. Clinical evaluation revealed severe jaundice, abdominal pain, dehydration, lethargy, and abdominal distension. Ultrasonography revealed hepatic cysts filled with fluid. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to clarify the imaging findings; however, the dog died shortly after surgery. Postmortem examination revealed that the liver was reduced in size and had multiple interconnected and distended saccular dilations. The bile ducts were markedly dilated and replaced a large part of the liver parenchyma. Multiple small cysts were also observed in the kidneys. Microscopically, the hepatic lesions were characterized by extensive bridging fibrosis associated with proliferating and ectatic bile ducts contiguous with the biliary tree. Marked fibrosis and small cysts were observed in the kidneys. Therefore, a final diagnosis of Caroli syndrome was made. While uncommon, this syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis for young dogs with biliary cysts and hepatic fibrosis.

A síndrome de Caroli é caracterizada pela combinação de ectasia biliar intra-hepática e fibrose ductal congênita, que se devem a falha na involução das placas ductais dos grandes ductos intra-hepáticos. Esse trabalho tem a intenção de reportar um caso de síndrome de Caroli em um canino, com ênfase em suas características clínicas, exames complementares, e abordagem diagnóstica. Um canídeo de um ano de idade, sem raça definida, apresentou um histórico clínico de sete dias de vômito agudo e anorexia. A avaliação clínica revelou severa icterícia, dor abdominal, desidratação, letargia e distensão abdominal. A ultrassonografia foi sugestiva de cistos hepáticos preenchidos por fluido. Uma laparotomia exploratória foi realizada para esclarecer os achados de imagem, porém, o cão morreu logo após a cirurgia. O cão foi submetido a exame de necropsia, onde se observou fígado diminuído em tamanho e com múltiplas dilatações saculares distendidas e interconectadas entre si. Os ductos biliares estavam acentuadamente dilatados e substituíam grande parte do parênquima hepático. Nos rins, múltiplos pequenos cistos eram observados. Microscopicamente as lesões hepáticas eram caracterizadas por extensa fibrose em ponte, associada a ductos biliares ectáticos e proliferados, que eram contíguos a árvore biliar. Nos rins, marcada fibrose e pequenas formações císticas foram observadas. Baseado na associação dos achados clínicos e patológicos, o diagnóstico de síndrome de Caroli foi feito. Mesmo que incomum, essa síndrome deve ser considerada como um diagnóstico diferencial para cães jovens com ductos biliares císticos e fibrose hepática.

Dengue and Zika virus infection patterns vary among Aedes aegypti field populations from Belo Horizonte, a Brazilian endemic city.

Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) belong to the same viral family, the Flaviviridae. They cause recurring threats to the public health systems of tropical countries such as Brazil. The primary Brazilian vector of both viruses is the mosquito Aedes aegypti. After the mosquito ingests a blood meal from an infected person, the viruses infect and replicate in the midgut, disseminate to secondary tissues and reach the salivary gland (SG), where they are ready to be transmitted to a vertebrate host. It is thought that the intrinsic discrepancies among mosquitoes could affect their ability to deal with viral infections. This study confirms that the DENV and ZIKV infection patterns of nine Ae. aegypti field populations found in geographically separate health districts of an endemic Brazilian city vary. We analyzed the infection rate, disseminated infection, vector competence, and viral load through quantitative PCR. Mosquitoes were challenged using the membrane-feeding assay technique and were tested seven and fourteen days post-infection (early and late infection phases, respectively). The infection responses varied among the Ae. aegypti populations for both flaviviruses in the two infection phases. There was no similarity between DENV and ZIKV vector competencies or viral loads. According to the results of our study, the risk of viral transmission overtime after infection either increases or remains unaltered in ZIKV infected vectors. However, the risk may increase, decrease, or remain unaltered in DENV-infected vectors depending on the mosquito population. For both flaviviruses, the viral load persisted in the body even until the late infection phase. In contrast to DENV, the ZIKV accumulated in the SG over time in all the mosquito populations. These findings are novel and may help direct the development of control strategies to fight dengue and Zika outbreaks in endemic regions, and provide a warning about the importance of understanding mosquito responses to arboviral infections.

Rangelia vitalii molecular and histological quantification in tissues comparing crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and domestic dogs.

Rangeliosis is a condition transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum and caused by the protozoan parasite Rangelia vitalii in canids. In domestic dogs, the disease causes a severe hemolytic disease, while in wild canids the piroplasm is often detected without any clinical abnormality. This study aimed to detect and quantify the number of copies of the R. vitalii Hsp70 gene (indirect parasite burden) in several organs of domestic and South American wild canids (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus) to elucidate distinct clinical presentations of rangeliosis in these species. A total of seven domestic dogs that died due to rangeliosis and 38 wild foxes were initially included, with all dogs presenting histological and molecular features of rangeliosis, while eight C. thous were positive at the molecular analysis for R. vitalii. Fragments of 22 organs collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild foxes (n = 8) were employed for histological and molecular quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction aiming at the Hsp70 gene. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were constantly detected in the dogs, while these were detected only in two C. thous. Parasitic burden was significantly higher in the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary, and skeletal-muscle systems of domestic dogs when compared to wild foxes. In the hematopoietic system of wild canids, some organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils, presented significantly lower amounts of R. vitalii, while other organs (spleen, bone marrow, and blood) had results similar to those of domestic dogs. Additionally, the central nervous system of both domestic and wild canids presented a similar quantity of R. vitalii. The etiological agent is possibly maintained through an asexual reproductive process (merogony) in both domestic and wild species. Nonetheless, a limited or short-duration schizogony phase occurs in C. thous, which would designate this species as a possible reservoir host for the agent. Dogs, in contrast, would most likely act as accidental hosts, presenting a severe and more pathogenic schizogony phase, resulting in characteristic clinical and pathological rangeliosis.

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State.

Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of Renealmia petasites Gagnep.

The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic rhizomes, stems, and leaf extracts of Renealmia petasites using in vitro and in vivo assays. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized in a linear iron trap mass spectrometer. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content were determined by spectrophotometry analyses. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages evaluating the influence on the production of superoxide anion (O2-), nitric oxide (NO), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vivo effects were determined using the air pouch model in which were inoculated carrageenan and thereafter treated with 50 mg/kg of the hydroethanolic extracts of R. petasites. After 4 and 24 h, the cellular influx, protein exudation, cytokines, and nitric oxide were evaluated. Eight compounds were tentatively identified in the R. petasites extracts, suggesting five diarylheptanoids, one flavonoid, and two fatty alcohols. The in vitro results showed that the extracts were capable of blocking free radicals and/or inhibiting their intracellular actions by inhibiting the production of important mediators of the inflammatory process, such as NO, O2-, TNF-α, and IL-6. In vivo, R. petasites significantly decrease the influx of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, protein exudation, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentration in the air pouch model. The results evidenced that R. petasites can be considered a promising alternative therapy for the treatment and management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State / Condenação ao abate em bovinos devido a lesões parasitárias e seu impacto econômico em estabelecimentos do Sistema Federal de Inspeção no Brasil e no Sistema Estadual de Inspeção no Rio Grande do Sul

Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.(AU)

Condenações durante o abate são importantes fontes de informação sobre a sanidade dos rebanhos. Ainda são altas as incidências de doenças parasitárias, as quais trazem consequências à saúde dos animais, são zoonoses e têm sua importância negligenciada em diversos países. O estudo objetivou quantificar não apenas as perdas encontradas, mas o prejuízo econômico resultante das condenações ao abate por causas parasitárias. Para isso foram analisados dados de abate de bovinos do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento, no período de 2012 a 2015, e dados da Secretaria da Agricultura Pecuária e Irrigação, do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 2014 a 2018. A quantidade de órgãos e carcaças condenados foi multiplicada pelos respectivos valores (em Reais), obtidos da indústria frigorífica e, posteriormente, convertidos para dólar. A análise brasileira de estabelecimentos com SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) mostrou que mais de 1,2 milhão de órgãos (3.884.505 kg) e 20 mil carcaças (4.547.718 kg) foram condenados devido a causas parasitárias durante a inspeção. No estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos estabelecimentos de inspeção estadual, foram condenados mais de 1,7 milhão de órgãos (8.210.559 kg) e 5 mil carcaças (1.243.200 kg). Os dados são alarmantes e ressaltam a necessidade de políticas públicas para controlar estas parasitoses.(AU)

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State / Condenação ao abate em bovinos devido a lesões parasitárias e seu impacto econômico em estabelecimentos do Sistema Federal de Inspeção no Brasil e no Sistema Estadual de Inspeção no Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.

Resumo Condenações durante o abate são importantes fontes de informação sobre a sanidade dos rebanhos. Ainda são altas as incidências de doenças parasitárias, as quais trazem consequências à saúde dos animais, são zoonoses e têm sua importância negligenciada em diversos países. O estudo objetivou quantificar não apenas as perdas encontradas, mas o prejuízo econômico resultante das condenações ao abate por causas parasitárias. Para isso foram analisados dados de abate de bovinos do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento, no período de 2012 a 2015, e dados da Secretaria da Agricultura Pecuária e Irrigação, do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 2014 a 2018. A quantidade de órgãos e carcaças condenados foi multiplicada pelos respectivos valores (em Reais), obtidos da indústria frigorífica e, posteriormente, convertidos para dólar. A análise brasileira de estabelecimentos com SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) mostrou que mais de 1,2 milhão de órgãos (3.884.505 kg) e 20 mil carcaças (4.547.718 kg) foram condenados devido a causas parasitárias durante a inspeção. No estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos estabelecimentos de inspeção estadual, foram condenados mais de 1,7 milhão de órgãos (8.210.559 kg) e 5 mil carcaças (1.243.200 kg). Os dados são alarmantes e ressaltam a necessidade de políticas públicas para controlar estas parasitoses.

The impact of vitamin D supplementation on VDR gene expression and body composition in monozygotic twins: randomized controlled trial.

Vitamin D supplementation is widely used. However, there is no consensus on the use and dosage of this supplement and the existing recommendations arise from studies based on the benefits that this nutrient can facilitate in bones. In addition, individual genetics can influence the response to supplementation, therefore, research involving monozygotic twins aims to reduce these differences in phenotypic responses. The objective of this randomised controlled study is to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition and the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA. An intervention was performed through supplementation with cholecalciferol at the concentration of 2000 IU in 90 healthy adult monozygotic twins (male or female pairs) for 2 months. The findings showed that serum vitamin D concentration increased by 65% and VDR gene expression sixty times (p = 0.001). Changes in body composition parameters were observed regarding body fat and lean mass. Our results indicate that an increase in serum vitamin D concentration may have potential therapeutic implications.

Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin in Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). However, evidence on the safety and efficacy of these therapies is limited. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, three-group, controlled trial involving hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 who were receiving either no supplemental oxygen or a maximum of 4 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive standard care, standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily, or standard care plus hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 400 mg twice daily plus azithromycin at a dose of 500 mg once daily for 7 days. The primary outcome was clinical status at 15 days as assessed with the use of a seven-level ordinal scale (with levels ranging from one to seven and higher scores indicating a worse condition) in the modified intention-to-treat population (patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19). Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 667 patients underwent randomization; 504 patients had confirmed Covid-19 and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. As compared with standard care, the proportional odds of having a higher score on the seven-point ordinal scale at 15 days was not affected by either hydroxychloroquine alone (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 2.11; P = 1.00) or hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.73; P = 1.00). Prolongation of the corrected QT interval and elevation of liver-enzyme levels were more frequent in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, than in those who were not receiving either agent. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate Covid-19, the use of hydroxychloroquine, alone or with azithromycin, did not improve clinical status at 15 days as compared with standard care. (Funded by the Coalition Covid-19 Brazil and EMS Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04322123.).