Selective inhibition of interleukin 6 receptor decreased inflammatory cytokines and increased proteases in an experimental model of critical calvarial defect

Considering the lack of consensus related to the impact of selective IL-6 receptor inhibition on bone remodeling and the scarcity of reports, especially on large bone defects, this study proposed to evaluate the biological impact of the selective inhibitor of interleukin-6 receptor (tocilizumab) in an experimental model of critical calvarial defect in rats. In this preclinical and in vivo study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=12/group): defect treated with collagen sponge (CG) and defect treated with collagen sponge associated with 2 mg/kg tocilizumab (TCZ). The defect in the parietal bone was created using an 8-mm diameter trephine drill. After 90 days, the animals were euthanized, and tissue samples (skull caps) were evaluated through micro-CT, histological, immunohistochemistry, cytokines, and RT-qPCR analyses. Tocilizumab reduced mononuclear inflammatory infiltration (P<0.05) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels (P<0.01) and down-regulated tissue gene expression of BMP-2 (P<0.001), RUNX-2 (P<0.05), and interleukin (IL)-6 (P<0.05). Moreover, it promoted a stronger immunostaining of cathepsin and RANKL (P<0.05). Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed no impact on general bone formation (P>0.05). The bone cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes) in the defect area were similar in both groups (P>0.05). Tocilizumab reduced inflammatory cytokines, decreased osteogenic protein, and increased proteases in a critical bone defect in rats. Ninety days after the local application of tocilizumab in the cranial defect, we did not find a significant formation of bone tissue compared with a collagen sponge.

Analytical techniques to recognize inclusion complexes formation involving monoterpenes and cyclodextrins: A study case with (-) borneol, a food ingredient.

Monoterpenes are non-polar secondary metabolites widely used by industry due to their excellent therapeutic, food-ingredient and cosmetic properties. However, their low solubility in water limits their use. In this sense, cyclodextrins (CDs) have been widely used to solve these technological challenges. Thus, this study aims to use (-)-borneol as a monoterpene model to prepare inclusion complexes between ß-CD and hydroxypropyl-ß-CD (HP-ß-CD) through different ways and characterize them in order to choose the best inclusion method to improve physicochemical properties of monoterpenes. To achieve this goal, the samples were prepared by physical mixture (PM), paste complex (PA) and freeze-drying complex (FD) and then, extensively characterized by thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, size particle, X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance. The physicochemical results showed that freeze-drying was more effective to form inclusion complexes between (-)-borneol with both CDs. This research highlights the importance of recognizing the best method to prepare inclusion complexes, including food additives as (-)-borneol, to achieve better results in food preparations.

Socio-economic inequalities and COVID-19 incidence and mortality in Brazilian children: a nationwide register-based study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the incidence and mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Brazilian children and to analyze its relationship with socio-economic inequalities in a state-level analysis. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide register-based study. METHODS: To estimate the incidence and mortality rates of COVID-19 in Brazilian children aged 0-19 years, we extracted data of confirmed cases and deaths from the de-identified microdata catalog and official bulletins of the 27 Brazilian states' health department websites until September 3, 2020. Social and economic inequalities were evaluated using the Social Vulnerability Index and Gini coefficient, respectively. The relationship between COVID-19 rates in Brazilian children and socio-economic vulnerability at the state level was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Of the 3,998,055 individuals with COVID-19 included in our database, 335,279 (8.4%) were children aged 0-19 years. Eight hundred deaths in children were registered, which accounts for about 0.7% of the deaths related to COVID-19 in the country. There were important differences in the incidence and mortality rates among Brazilian regions, and a correlation between mortality rates and social (ρ = 0.519; P-value = 0.007; effect magnitude: moderate) and economic (ρ = 0.615; P-value < 0.001; effect magnitude: strong) inequalities was found in a state-level analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study showed important regional differences in COVID-19 estimates for children in Brazil and a relationship between mortality rates and socio-economic inequalities. The knowledge of sociogeographic differences in the estimates of COVID-19 is crucial to planning societal strategies and local decision-making to mitigate the effects of disease in the pediatric population.

First record of Eremionycha bahiana (Boheman) infesting Tabebuia sp

The Chrysomelidae is the second largest family regarding the number of species within the order Coleoptera. It consists of 37,000 species grouped into 19 subfamilies. Among these subfamilies, most presents species considered agricultural pests ( Chaboo, 2007 ; Laumann et al., 2004 ; Stolar and Bidau, 1997 ). The subfamily Cassidinae has about 6,000 species distributed into 324 genera. They can be found worldwide, with a higher diversity in the tropics, especially in South America and less frequently in North America and Australia ( Chaboo, 2007 ). According to Barney et al. (2007) , the subfamily Cassidinae currently includes two previously recognized subfamilies: Hispinae (“hispines” or leaf-mining beetles) and Cassidinae (tortoise beetles). The species of this subfamily feed on leaves and are associated with the Boraginaceae, Bignoniaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae families, and also associated with other no host plants ( Boldt and Staines, 1993 ; Buzzi, 1988 ; Virkki et al., 1992 ). Coleoptera specimens of all developmental stages were collected manually in plants of the genus Tabebuia sp. (Bignoniaceae) at the Agricultural Sciences Center, Socopo campus, Teresina, Piauí state, located in the campus of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). They were housed in small cages (transparent plastic pots, 500 mL capacity) and their development was observed at laboratorial conditions. Samples of these insects were sent to a taxonomist for species identification. Images of specimens were obtained using the stereo microscope Hirox at the São Paulo University (Esalq/USP, Piracicaba, SP) Electron Mycroscopy Laboratory and the Nikon SMZ1500 at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA, Lavras, MG) Electron Microscopy Laboratory.(AU)

The role of interleukins in vitiligo: a systematic review.

Vitiligo is a disorder of the skin that causes depigmentation and asymptomatic macules whose exact cause is still unclear. Although its aetiology is not fully elucidated, the main theory of its pathomechanism is that it is associated with the autoimmune process. There is few summarized information about the role of inflammatory mediators, as interleukins, in vitiligo, so our aim was to present a systematic review of the role of interleukins in vitiligo, focusing on interleukins. In this review, we included all studies assessing interleukin levels in vitiligo patients conducted up to June 2017. Quality assessment of these studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The interleukins mainly involved were IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17. The studies highlight the crucial role of IL-17 in the onset and progression of the disease, and its synergistic action with IL-2, IL-6 and IL-33. Dysregulated levels of the interleukins were also correlated with the stage of disease, the affected skin surface area, and indicated as the main factor for lymphocyte infiltration found in depigmented regions. These findings illustrate the growing need for new therapies targeting vitiligo and further research into the role of interleukins as an area of particular interest.

Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid.

Since its first isolation in 1844, usnic acid [2,6-diacetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-1,3(2H,9bH)-dibenzo-furandione] has become the most extensively studied lichen metabolite and one of the few that are commercially available. Lichens belonging to usnic acid-containing genera have been used as crude drugs throughout the world. There are indications of usnic acid being a potentially interesting candidate for such activities as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, larvicidal and UV protection. However, some studies reported the liver toxicity and contact allergy. Thus, further studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of usnic acid.

Semen variables and sperm membrane protein profile of Saanen bucks (Capra hircus) in dry and rainy seasons of the northeastern Brazil (3°S).

The Saanen is a highly productive breed, and for this reason, it has been raised in Brazil, but mostly under climate conditions completely different from where the breed originated. The objective of this study was to investigate variations in semen parameters and sperm membrane proteins from Saanen bucks (n = 7) raised in Northeastern Brazil, during dry season (September, October, and November) and rainy season (March, April, and May). We showed that during the dry season, sperm motility, concentration, and the percentage of normal sperm decreased as compared to the rainy season. Rectal temperatures of bucks had no significant (p > 0.05) variations during the dry and rainy seasons. However, temperatures of left and right skin testis were higher (p < 0.05) during the dry as compared to the rainy season. Expression of three proteins (lysine-specific demethylase 5D, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit d, and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog) in sperm membrane were more intense in rainy season and only one protein (cytosol aminopeptidase) had greater expression in the dry season of the year. Our results show that mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation of Saanen bucks did not prevent a decrease in seminal parameters during the dry season. This deterioration may be related to reduced expression of proteins associated with important functions in sperm membrane.

Reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes during dry and rainy seasons in eastern Amazon

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes during the dry and wet months in northern Brazil. The females were divided into two groups: reproduced during the dry season and lambing in the rainy season (Group A, n = 38), and the opposite with the other group (Group B, n = 55). There was no difference (P > 0.05) for expression of estrus (86.8 and 98.3%), pregnancy rate (86.8 and 90.9%), lambing (76.3 and 83.6%), abortion (9 and 7.4%), fecundity (86.8 and 96.3%), birth (103.4 and 110.8%) and prolificacy (113.7 and 115.2%) observed in groups A and B, respectively. However, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in lamb mortality (26.6% for group A and 49% for group B). Ewes from group A presented a higher average live weight at the end of the reproductive season and during the final third of pregnancy (P < 0.05).

Reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes during dry and rainy seasons in eastern Amazon

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes during the dry and wet months in northern Brazil. The females were divided into two groups: reproduced during the dry season and lambing in the rainy season (Group A, n = 38), and the opposite with the other group (Group B, n = 55). There was no difference (P > 0.05) for expression of estrus (86.8 and 98.3%), pregnancy rate (86.8 and 90.9%), lambing (76.3 and 83.6%), abortion (9 and 7.4%), fecundity (86.8 and 96.3%), birth (103.4 and 110.8%) and prolificacy (113.7 and 115.2%) observed in groups A and B, respectively. However, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in lamb mortality (26.6% for group A and 49% for group B). Ewes from group A presented a higher average live weight at the end of the reproductive season and during the final third of pregnancy (P < 0.05).(AU)

The effects of parturition season and suckling mode on the puerperium of Santa Ines ewes and on the weight gain of lambs / Efeitos do período das parições e dos sistemas de amamentação sobre o puerpério de ovelhas Santa Inês e desempenho ponderal de cordeiros

Seventy-seven ewes were randomly divided into groups according to parturition season and suckling mode [Rainy season: continuous (n=14) and controlled (n=13); Dry season: continuous (n=25) and controlled (n=25)]. The controlled suckling mode, in both seasons, resulted in a decrease in variables, intervals between parturition and first estrus (reduction of 27.11 and 11.46 days for rainy and dry season, respectively; P<0.05) and between parturition and estrus of conception (reduction of 12.81 and 13.58 days, for rainy and dry season, respectively; P<0.05). As to the lambs, the weight gain was higher in animals subjected to controlled suckling in relation to continuous, especially when lambing occurred in the rainy season (17.83±0.56 vs. 13.95±0.52kg for Lambs' weight at 90 days old, respectively; P<0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that controlled suckling management is better indicated for the Amazonian region, since it allows the ewes to have a shorter puerperium period and the lambs exhibit higher weight gain.(AU)

Foram utilizadas 77 ovelhas, divididas aleatoriamente em grupos de acordo com o período de parição e o manejo de amamentação [chuvoso: contínua (n=14) e controlada (n=13); seco: contínua (n=25) e controlada (n=13)]. O sistema de amamentação controlado, em ambos os períodos, resultou em decréscimo para as variáveis intervalos entre parto e primeiro estro (redução de 27,11 e 11,46 dias para os períodos chuvoso e seco, respectivamente; P<0,05) e entre parto e estro da concepção (redução de 12,81 e 13,58 dia para os períodos chuvoso e seco, respectivamente; P<0,05). Quanto ao desempenho ponderal dos cordeiros, o ganho de peso foi maior para os animais submetidos ao regime de amamentação controlada em relação à contínua, especialmente quando os nascimentos ocorreram no período chuvoso (17,83±0,56 vs. 13,95±0,52kg para o peso dos cordeiros aos 90 dias de idade, respectivamente; P<0,05). Contudo, o manejo de amamentação controlada é indicado para a região amazônica, por permitir menor tempo de puerpério das ovelhas e maior ganho de peso dos cordeiros.(AU)

The effects of parturition season and suckling mode on the puerperium of Santa Ines ewes and on the weight gain of lambs / Efeitos do período das parições e dos sistemas de amamentação sobre o puerpério de ovelhas Santa Inês e desempenho ponderal de cordeiros

Seventy-seven ewes were randomly divided into groups according to parturition season and suckling mode [Rainy season: continuous (n=14) and controlled (n=13); Dry season: continuous (n=25) and controlled (n=25)]. The controlled suckling mode, in both seasons, resulted in a decrease in variables, intervals between parturition and first estrus (reduction of 27.11 and 11.46 days for rainy and dry season, respectively; P<0.05) and between parturition and estrus of conception (reduction of 12.81 and 13.58 days, for rainy and dry season, respectively; P<0.05). As to the lambs, the weight gain was higher in animals subjected to controlled suckling in relation to continuous, especially when lambing occurred in the rainy season (17.83±0.56 vs. 13.95±0.52kg for Lambs' weight at 90 days old, respectively; P<0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that controlled suckling management is better indicated for the Amazonian region, since it allows the ewes to have a shorter puerperium period and the lambs exhibit higher weight gain.

Foram utilizadas 77 ovelhas, divididas aleatoriamente em grupos de acordo com o período de parição e o manejo de amamentação [chuvoso: contínua (n=14) e controlada (n=13); seco: contínua (n=25) e controlada (n=13)]. O sistema de amamentação controlado, em ambos os períodos, resultou em decréscimo para as variáveis intervalos entre parto e primeiro estro (redução de 27,11 e 11,46 dias para os períodos chuvoso e seco, respectivamente; P<0,05) e entre parto e estro da concepção (redução de 12,81 e 13,58 dia para os períodos chuvoso e seco, respectivamente; P<0,05). Quanto ao desempenho ponderal dos cordeiros, o ganho de peso foi maior para os animais submetidos ao regime de amamentação controlada em relação à contínua, especialmente quando os nascimentos ocorreram no período chuvoso (17,83±0,56 vs. 13,95±0,52kg para o peso dos cordeiros aos 90 dias de idade, respectivamente; P<0,05). Contudo, o manejo de amamentação controlada é indicado para a região amazônica, por permitir menor tempo de puerpério das ovelhas e maior ganho de peso dos cordeiros.

Sperm parameters and biochemical components of goat seminal plasma in the rainy and dry seasons in the Brazilian Northeast: the season's influence on the cooling of semen / Caracrterísticas espermáticas e bioquímicas do plasma seminal de caprinos nas estações chuvosa e seca do Nordeste brasileiro: influência da estação no resfriamento do sêmen

The present study aimed to verify the caprine semen characteristics during dry and rainy seasons in the Brazilian Northeast, and the influence of these seasons on cooled semen. Seminal volume, concentration, percentage of motile cells, vigor and spermatic morphology, as well as biochemical profile (fructose, citric acid, P, Ca2+, Mg, total proteins and phospholipase A2 activity) were analyzed. It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) in normal sperm morphology, fructose, citric acid, P, Mg and total protein concentration during the dry season, which did not affect the motility, vigor, volume and sperm concentration. Phospholipase A2 activity was increased during the dry season (P<0.05). The analysis of the semen cooled at 4ºC during 48 hours showed reduction in total motility and vigor sperm during the dry season (P<0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that the best period of year for caprine semen cooling is the rainy season.

Verificou-se as características seminais de caprinos durante a época seca e a chuvosa no Nordeste brasileiro e a influência da época no resfriamento do sêmen. Foram mensurados volume, concentração espermática, porcentagem de espermatozoides móveis, vigor, morfologia espermática e características bioquímicas (frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio, proteínas totais e atividade da fosfolipase A2). Observou-se redução (P<0,05) no número de espermatozóides morfologicamente normais, frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas totais durante a época seca que não influenciaram na motilidade, vigor, volume e concentração do sêmen. Entretanto, a atividade da fosfolipase A2 foi maior na época seca. Quando o sêmen foi submetido ao resfriamento a 4ºC durante 48 horas, houve redução (P<0,05) na motilidade total e no vigor espermático durante a época seca. Com base nesses resultados, conclui-se que o período chuvoso é melhor para resfriar sêmen de caprinos no Nordeste brasileiro.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract from Remirea maritima (Cyperaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Remirea maritima Aubl., popularly known as "capim-da-praia", is popularly employed in the treatment of diarrhea, kidney disease, fever, and for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes through the preparation of teas. Few studies have focused on the chemical composition and its biological properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work evaluated the antinocipetive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from Remirea maritima Aubl. as well as the isolation and identification of the chemical compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compounds were isolated from aqueous extract of Remirea maritima through preparative HPLC and the structures were identified by means of NMR and MS analysis. The tests for antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, along with motor coordination test (Rota rod), were performed over the aqueous extract. RESULTS: The phytochemical investigation of aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the isolation of three flavone glycosides. The structures of these compounds were determined by means of MS and 1D and 2D NMR data as vitexin-2″-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, isovitexin-2″-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide. Acute pretreatment with aqueous extract (100, 200 or 400mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the number of abdominal writhes. In the formalin test, higher doses significantly inhibited the late (inflammatory pain) phase of formalin-induced licking (p<0.05 or 0.001). In the hot plate test, there was no significant difference in nociceptive behavior, discarding the possible central effect of the aqueous extract. In the rota rod test, it was verified that the aqueous extract in all concentration evaluated does not alter the motor coordination of mice, such antinociceptive results were unlikely to be caused by motor abnormality. In the peritonitis test, induced by carrageenan, the treatment with aqueous extract produced a significant reduction in leukocyte migration in all concentration evaluated. Additionally, a significant reduction of lipoperoxidation (TBARS test) and in nitric oxide formation (.NO Scavenging assay) was observed in antioxidant activity assay. CONCLUSION: The biological and phytochemical investigations of the aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the identification of three flavone glycosides that have been described here for the first time in Remirea and effective analgesic activity in various pain models, probably mediated via the inhibition of peripheral mediators which could be related to its strong antioxidant effect observed in vitro.

Sperm parameters and biochemical components of goat seminal plasma in the rainy and dry seasons in the Brazilian Northeast: the season's influence on the cooling of semen / Caracrterísticas espermáticas e bioquímicas do plasma seminal de caprinos nas estações chuvosa e seca do Nordeste brasileiro: influência da estação no resfriamento do sêmen

The present study aimed to verify the caprine semen characteristics during dry and rainy seasons in the Brazilian Northeast, and the influence of these seasons on cooled semen. Seminal volume, concentration, percentage of motile cells, vigor and spermatic morphology, as well as biochemical profile (fructose, citric acid, P, Ca2+, Mg, total proteins and phospholipase A2 activity) were analyzed. It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) in normal sperm morphology, fructose, citric acid, P, Mg and total protein concentration during the dry season, which did not affect the motility, vigor, volume and sperm concentration. Phospholipase A2 activity was increased during the dry season (P<0.05). The analysis of the semen cooled at 4ºC during 48 hours showed reduction in total motility and vigor sperm during the dry season (P<0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that the best period of year for caprine semen cooling is the rainy season.(AU)

Verificou-se as características seminais de caprinos durante a época seca e a chuvosa no Nordeste brasileiro e a influência da época no resfriamento do sêmen. Foram mensurados volume, concentração espermática, porcentagem de espermatozoides móveis, vigor, morfologia espermática e características bioquímicas (frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio, proteínas totais e atividade da fosfolipase A2). Observou-se redução (P<0,05) no número de espermatozóides morfologicamente normais, frutose, ácido cítrico, fósforo, magnésio e proteínas totais durante a época seca que não influenciaram na motilidade, vigor, volume e concentração do sêmen. Entretanto, a atividade da fosfolipase A2 foi maior na época seca. Quando o sêmen foi submetido ao resfriamento a 4ºC durante 48 horas, houve redução (P<0,05) na motilidade total e no vigor espermático durante a época seca. Com base nesses resultados, conclui-se que o período chuvoso é melhor para resfriar sêmen de caprinos no Nordeste brasileiro.(AU)

Resistência de genótipos de feijão-caupi ao ataque de Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr., 1775) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of 4 genotypes of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) to the bean weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr., 1775). The genotypes evaluated were BR 17-Gurguéia, BRS Rouxinol, TE96-290-12G and BRS Guariba. Tests were conducted with and without possibility of choice, in a completely randomized design, totaling 4 treatments each with 5 replicates, evaluating the number of eggs, number of emerged insects, egg viability (%) and instantaneous rate of population growth. In the test with possibility of choice the genotype TE96-290-12G was revealed as the most resistant. BRS Rouxinol was the most susceptible genotype.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência de quatro genótipos de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) ao caruncho Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr., 1775). Os genótipos utilizados foram BR 17-Gurguéia, BRS Rouxinol, TE96-290-12G e BRS Guariba. Foram realizados testes com e sem chance de escolha, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, totalizando 4 tratamentos cada um com 5 repetições, avaliando-se número de ovos, número de insetos emergidos, viabilidade de ovos (%) e taxa instantânea de crescimento populacional. Nos testes com e sem chance de escolha, o genótipo TE96-290-12G mostrou-se como o mais resistente. BRS Rouxinol foi o genótipo mais suscetível.

Impacto do estresse térmico na reprodução da fêmea bovina / Heat stress impact on reproduction of bovine female

Com o objetivo de melhorar os índices de produtividade de seus rebanhos, muitos criadores de regiões tropicais têm optado pela aquisição de animais especializados oriundos de regiões de clima temperado com condições climáticas bem diferenciadas das dos trópicos. Devido às altas temperaturas tropicais, estes animais estão constantemente susceptíveis ao estresse térmico, uma vez que não são dotados de mecanismos anatomo-fisiológicos necessários para manter a homeotermia, resultando em prejuízos para a produção e reprodução animal. Portanto, esta revisão tem por objetivo discorrer sobre os efeitos negativos do estresse térmico sobre a reprodução, enfocando aspectos relacionados à atividade ovariana e à mortalidade embrionária.(AU)

Aiming to improve the productivity rates of their herds, many farmers in tropical regions have opted for the acquisition of specialized animals come from temperate regions with weather conditions so different from those found in the tropics. Due to high tropical temperatures, these animals are constantly susceptible to heat stress; because they do not have anatomical and physiological mechanisms to maintain efficiently its homeostasis, resulting in prejudices to production and reproduction performances. This review aims to discuss the adverse effects of heat stress on female reproduction, emphasizing some aspects involved in ovarian activity and embryo mortality.(AU)