Cellular and humoral immunity of broilers subjected to posthatch fasting and a prestarter diet containing conjugated linoleic acid.

This study aimed to evaluate the immunity of chickens up to 35 d subjected to posthatch fasting and supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A total of 320 chicks were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (0 or 12 h of fasting × 0.000 or 0.025% CLA in a prestarter diet), totaling 4 treatments (No-F-12 h; F-12 h; No-CLA; CLA) with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The relative weights (% body weight) of the spleen and bursa were determined 12 h posthatch (Post-12 h) and then weekly. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were measured by ELISA in the yolk sac contents Post-12 h and in the serum weekly. Hypersensitivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) inoculation was evaluated by toe-web swelling response on d 13 and 34, 4 times a day (after 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h inoculation, respectively, PHA-3 h, PHA-6 h, PHA-12 h, and PHA-24 h). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05). F-12h reduced the Post-12 h relative weight of the spleen, and CLA reduced the relative weight of the bursa at this stage and at 28 d. At 13 d, F-12 h reduced PHA-3 h, whereas PHA-12 h was increased by CLA. At 34 d, CLA reduced PHA-3 h. A greater reaction was observed in the No-F-12 h-CLA chicks, for the PHA-24 h. In the Post-12 h evaluation, F-12h reduced, whereas CLA increased NDV-specific IgY titers in the yolk sac. No-F-12 h-No-CLA chicks had the lowest serum titers. At 21 d, F-12 h-CLA chicks exhibited the highest serum titers. Titers were higher in the F-12 h-No-CLA chicks, when compared to other treatments. At 28 d, fasting reduced the titers. In conclusion, F-12 h and CLA accelerated the transfer of immunoglobulins from the yolk sac to the serum. F-12 h impairs cellular immunity, whereas CLA favors it.

Overweight in Rural Quilombola and Non-quilombola Adolescents From the Northeast of Brazil.

Introduction: Overweight is an emerging problem among children and adolescents that leads to the development of several morbidities and health risks. Overweight occurs differently in different populations, especially in vulnerable groups like the rural and quilombola communities (an African-descendant population). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and to investigate the possible associated factors in rural adolescents living in both quilombola and non-quilombola communities in Northeast Brazil. Methods: This study is a population-based cross-sectional study with a household approach carried out in 2015 with 390 adolescents (age 10-19 years) living in rural quilombola and non-quilombola communities. The nutritional status was gauged using z-scores calculated for body mass index (BMI) and varies with gender and age. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to establish associations between the results and explained variables. The multivariate analysis followed a model with a hierarchical entry of covariables controlled by gender and age. Results: The study showed that 18.5% of rural adolescents were overweight, of which 17.9% were quilombolas and 19.0% were non-quilombolas. A significant difference in overweight between the samples was not found. In the multivariate-adjusted model, age ≥16 years (PR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28-0.95), the habit of having regular breakfast (PR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35-0.98), and process of attending school (PR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.71) were associated with a lower prevalence of overweight. Stationary screen time, in contrast, was associated with a higher prevalence (PR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05-2.46). The process of attending school was associated with a lower prevalence of overweight (PR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09-0.69), even for the quilombolas. Conclusions: A low prevalence of overweight was identified in rural adolescents. Overweight was significantly associated with the habit of having regular breakfast, older age, stationary screen time, and the process of attending school. The results reveal that school is a potential space for health promotion interventions, specifically in the most vulnerable rural regions, such as the quilombola communities. Besides, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle early in life, including cultivating the habit of having regular breakfast and reducing stationary screen time.

Kinin-B2 Receptor Activity in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Myoblast Differentiation.

The bioactive peptide bradykinin obtained from cleavage of precursor kininogens activates the kinin-B2 receptor functioning in induction of inflammation and vasodilatation. In addition, bradykinin participates in kidney and cardiovascular development and neuronal and muscle differentiation. Here we show that kinin-B2 receptors are expressed throughout differentiation of murine C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes. An autocrine loop between receptor activation and bradykinin secretion is suggested, since bradykinin secretion is significantly reduced in the presence of the kinin-B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140 during differentiation. Expression of skeletal muscle markers and regenerative capacity were decreased after pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of the B2 receptor, while its antagonism increased the number of myoblasts in culture. In summary, the present work reveals to date no functions described for the B2 receptor in muscle regeneration due to the control of proliferation and differentiation of muscle precursor cells.

Kinin and Purine Signaling Contributes to Neuroblastoma Metastasis.

Bone marrow metastasis occurs in approximately 350,000 patients that annually die in the U.S. alone. In view of the importance of tumor cell migration into the bone marrow, we have here investigated effects of various concentrations of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), bradykinin- and ATP on bone marrow metastasis. We show for first time that bradykinin augmented chemotactic responsiveness of neuroblastoma cells to SDF-1 and ATP concentrations, encountered under physiological conditions. Bradykinin upregulated VEGF expression, increased metalloproteinase activity and induced adhesion of neuroblastoma cells. Bradykinin augmented SDF-1-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization as well as resensitization and expression of ATP-sensing P2X7 receptors. Bradykinin treatment resulted in higher gene expression levels of the truncated P2X7B receptor compared to those of the P2X7A full-length isoform. Bradykinin as pro-metastatic factor induced tumor proliferation that was significantly decreased by P2X7 receptor antagonists; however, the peptide did not enhance cell death nor P2X7A receptor-related pore activity, promoting neuroblastoma growth. Furthermore, immunodeficient nude/nude mice transplanted with bradykinin-pretreated neuroblastoma cells revealed significantly higher metastasis rates compared to animals injected with untreated cells. In contrast, animals receiving Brilliant Blue G, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, did not show any specific dissemination of neuroblastoma cells to the bone marrow and liver, and metastasis rates were drastically reduced. Our data suggests correlated actions of kinins and purines in neuroblastoma dissemination, providing novel avenues for clinic research in preventing metastasis.

Use of liquid vinasse as a feed additive for Japanese quails / Uso de vinaza líquida como aditivo alimenticio para la codorniz japonesa / Vinhaça líquida como aditivo alimentar para codornas japonesas

Abstract Background: Liquid vinasse (LV) has probiotic properties and low pH. It is fed to animals as a solution to the disposal problem of this by-product. Objective: To evaluate the effects of increasing dietary levels of LV on growing performance, egg quality and economic viability for Japanese quails. Methods: One hundred sixty Japanese quails were included in a randomized study with five dietary treatments and four replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of adding 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10% LV to a commercial quail feed for 84 d. Results: The LV inclusion resulted in a linear decrease in daily intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy, calcium, phosphorus, and in the feed conversion ratio. However, it resulted in a linear increase in egg-specific weight, eggshell weight, CP content in the DM, and a quadratic change in the ether extract content of the egg. The price per dozen eggs decreased linearly with the inclusion of LV. Conclusion: The best results were obtained by adding 10% LV, which made egg production more profitable.

Resumen Antecedentes: La vinaza líquida (LV) tiene propiedades probióticas y bajo pH, por lo que se ha utilizado como alimento para animales como una solución para el problema de la eliminación de este sub-producto. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del aumento de los niveles de la LV en el desempeño productivo de la codorniz japonesa, la calidad interna y externa del huevo y la viabilidad económica de la utilización de este sub-producto. Métodos: Ciento sesenta codornices japonesas fueron incluidas en un estudio al azar con cinco tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en la adición de 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 o 10% de LV a un alimento comercial para codornices durante 84 d. Resultados: La inclusión de LV resultó en una disminución lineal en la ingestión diaria de materia seca (DM), proteína bruta (CP), energía bruta, calcio, fósforo, y en la tasa de conversión del alimento. Sin embargo, dio lugar a un aumento lineal en el peso específico del huevo, el peso de la cáscara, el contenido de CP en la DM y cuadráticamente alteró el contenido de extracto etéreo de los huevos. El precio de una docena de huevos disminuyó linealmente con la inclusión de LV. Conclusión: Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron con un nivel de LV de 10%, que resultó en la producción de huevos más rentable.

Resumo Antecedentes: A vinhaça líquida (LV) tem propriedades probióticas e pH baixo, e tem sido utilizada como alimentos para animais; uma solução para o problema da eliminação deste co-produto. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de níveis crescentes de LV sobre o desempenho produtivo de codornas japonesas, qualidade interna e externa do ovo, e a viabilidade econômica da utilização deste coproduto. Métodos: cento e sessenta codornas japonesas foram utilizadas em delineamneto inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições cada um. Os tratamentos consistiram de adição 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 ou 10% LV à ração comercial para codornas, durante 84 d. Resultados: A inclusão de LV resultou em uma redução linear no consumo diário de matéria seca (DM), proteína bruta (CP), energia bruta, cálcio, fósforo, e da taxa de conversão alimentar. No entanto, resultou em um aumento linear no peso específico do ovo, peso da casca e teor de CP na DM e alterou de forma quadrática o teor de extrato etéreo dos ovos. O preço da dúzia de ovos dimuniu linearmente com a inclusão de LV. Conclusão: Economicamente, os melhores resultados foram obtidos com o nível de 10% de LV, o que tornou a produção de ovos mais rentável.

Dmdmdx/Largemyd: a new mouse model of neuromuscular diseases useful for studying physiopathological mechanisms and testing therapies.

Although muscular dystrophies are among the most common human genetic disorders, there are few treatment options available. Animal models have become increasingly important for testing new therapies prior to entering human clinical trials. The Dmd(mdx) mouse is the most widely used animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), presenting the same molecular and protein defect as seen in humans with the disease. However, this mouse is not useful for clinical trials because of its very mild phenotype. The mouse model for congenital myodystrophy type 1D, Large(myd), harbors a mutation in the glycosyltransferase Large gene and displays a severe phenotype. To help elucidate the role of the proteins dystrophin and LARGE in the organization of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in muscle sarcolemma, we generated double-mutant mice for the dystrophin and LARGE proteins. The new Dmd(mdx)/Large(myd) mouse model is viable and shows a severe phenotype that is associated with the lack of dystrophin in muscle. We tested the usefulness of our new mouse model for cell therapy by systemically injecting them with normal murine mesenchymal adipose stem cells (mASCs). We verified that the mASCs were hosted in the dystrophic muscle. The new mouse model has proven to be very useful for the study of several other therapies, because injected cells can be screened both through DNA and protein analysis. Study of its substantial muscle weakness will also be very informative in the evaluation of functional benefits of these therapies.

Animal models for genetic neuromuscular diseases.

The neuromuscular disorders are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases, caused by mutations in genes coding sarcolemmal, sarcomeric, and citosolic muscle proteins. Deficiencies or loss of function of these proteins leads to variable degree of progressive loss of motor ability. Several animal models, manifesting phenotypes observed in neuromuscular diseases, have been identified in nature or generated in laboratory. These models generally present physiological alterations observed in human patients and can be used as important tools for genetic, clinic, and histopathological studies. The mdx mouse is the most widely used animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although it is a good genetic and biochemical model, presenting total deficiency of the protein dystrophin in the muscle, this mouse is not useful for clinical trials because of its very mild phenotype. The canine golden retriever MD model represents a more clinically similar model of DMD due to its larger size and significant muscle weakness. Autosomal recessive limb-girdle MD forms models include the SJL/J mice, which develop a spontaneous myopathy resulting from a mutation in the Dysferlin gene, being a model for LGMD2B. For the human sarcoglycanopahties (SG), the BIO14.6 hamster is the spontaneous animal model for delta-SG deficiency, whereas some canine models with deficiency of SG proteins have also been identified. More recently, using the homologous recombination technique in embryonic stem cell, several mouse models have been developed with null mutations in each one of the four SG genes. All sarcoglycan-null animals display a progressive muscular dystrophy of variable severity and share the property of a significant secondary reduction in the expression of the other members of the sarcoglycan subcomplex and other components of the Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Mouse models for congenital MD include the dy/dy (dystrophia-muscularis) mouse and the allelic mutant dy(2J)/dy(2J) mouse, both presenting significant reduction of alpha2-laminin in the muscle and a severe phenotype. The myodystrophy mouse (Large(myd)) harbors a mutation in the glycosyltransferase Large, which leads to altered glycosylation of alpha-DG, and also a severe phenotype. Other informative models for muscle proteins include the knockout mouse for myostatin, which demonstrated that this protein is a negative regulator of muscle growth. Additionally, the stress syndrome in pigs, caused by mutations in the porcine RYR1 gene, helped to localize the gene causing malignant hypertermia and Central Core myopathy in humans. The study of animal models for genetic diseases, in spite of the existence of differences in some phenotypes, can provide important clues to the understanding of the pathogenesis of these disorders and are also very valuable for testing strategies for therapeutic approaches.

Sobre o conhecimento e a consciência sanitária brasileira: o papel estratégico dos profissionais e usuários no sistema sanitário / About the knowledge and the brazilian sanitary conscience: the place of the professionals and users of SUS and PSF

O legado institucional na área da saúde trazido pela Constituição de 1988 foi a instituição do SUS, que emergiu como novo modelo de sistema sanitário e, desde então, muito ainda há que ser feito em prol da reforma sanitária. Objetivo: este estudo objetivou conhecer o nível de apreensão e conhecimento dos princípios do SUS e PSF por profissionais e usuários. Método: trata-se de um estudo de abordagem quanti-qualitativa em que foram utilizados como instrumento dois questionários semi-estruturados. Resultados: entre os resultados destaca-se a inadequação de conhecimento dos profissionais; 40,7% e 40,8%, respectivamente, desconheciam os princípios e diretrizes do SUS e PSF. Quanto aos usuários, 78,6% não souberam o que vem a ser o PSF. Conclusão: a mudança no modelo da atenção em saúde em direção a uma maior integralidade e resolubilidade das ações passa pela capacitação dos profissionais de saúde e da consciência sanitária de diferentes atores sociais, destacando-se os usuários do sistema.