Mitochondrial injury induced by triclopyr in the rat liver.

The herbicide triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) is already considered an environmental problem due to damage caused by incorrect disposal, leaching, and aerial dispersion, which may pose risks to the environment and human health. Studies have evaluated metabolism, absorption, excretion, and active transport but there is no clear information about its mode of action (MoA) and its cytotoxic action potential remains unknown. In this context, mitochondria have been used to assess the toxicity of xenobiotics, for this reason, to identify the toxic mechanism of triclopyr, hepatic mitochondria from Wistar rats were exposed in vitro to different concentrations of triclopyr (0.5-500 µM). There was neither formation/accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, nor lipid peroxidation or changes in the mitochondrial antioxidant system, in addition to proper functioning of oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. Changes were found in NAD(P)H oxidation, membrane potential dissipation and mitochondrial calcium gradient. These results demonstrate that mitochondria suffer damage related to their bioenergetics and redox status but not to their structure when exposed to concentrations of triclopyr considered higher than those described as found in the environment so far.HighlightsTriclopyr has a low mitochondrial uncoupling potential.The damage caused to the bioenergetics and redox state of the mitochondria is related to concentrations considered higher than those found in the environment.Even at high concentrations, triclopyr was not able to change the structure of the organelle after exposure.Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production were not impaired after exposure.NAD(P)H oxidation resulted in potential membrane dissipation and mitochondrial calcium gradient dissipation.Triclopyr does not have RONS-forming properties, as well as it does not peroxide membrane lipids, it preserves membrane sulfhydryl groups and maintains the normality of the GSH/GSSG ratio.

Pioneer access of the foam nest bacterial community of Leptodactylidae frogs and its biotechnological potential.

Many anuran amphibians deposit their eggs in foam nests, biostructures that help protect the eggs and tadpoles from predators. Currently, there are no other identification and description studies of the cultivable microbiota role in the nests of the Leptodactylid frogs such as Physalaemus cuvieri, Leptodactylus vastus and Adenomera hylaedactyla. This study aimed to isolate and identify the culturable bacteria from these three anuran species' nests, as well as to prospect enzymes produced by this microbiota. Foam nests samples and environmental samples were diluted and viable cell count was determined. Bacterial morphotypes from foam nest samples were isolated through spread plate technique. Isolates' DNAs were extracted followed by rRNA 16S gene amplification and Sanger sequencing. To evaluate their enzymatic potential, the isolates were cultured in ATGE medium supplemented with starch (0.1% w/v), gelatin (3% w/v) and skimmed milk (1% w/v), to verify amylase and protease activity. A total of 183 bacterial morphotypes were isolated, comprising 33 bacterial genera. Proteobacteria phylum was the most abundant in all the three nests (79%). The genera Pseudomonas and Aeromonas were the most abundant taxon in P. cuvieri and L. vastus. In A. Hylaedactyla, were Enterobacter and Bacillus. Regarding enzymatic activities, 130 isolates displayed protease activity and 45 isolates were positive for amylase activity. Our results provide unprecedented information concerning culturable bacterial microbiota of the foam nests of the Leptodactylid frogs, as well as their potential for biomolecules of biotechnological interest.

Influenza A infections: predictors of disease severity.

Influenza affects approximately 10% of the world's population annually. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates due to its propensity to progress to severe acute respiratory infection, leading to 10-40% of hospitalized patients needing intensive care. Characterizing the multifactorial predictors of poor prognosis is essential for developing strategies against this disease. This study aimed to identify predictors of disease severity in influenza A-infected (IFA-infected) patients and to propose a prognostic score. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 142 IFA-infected out- and inpatients treated at a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2018. The viral subtypes, hemagglutinin mutations, viral load, IL-28B SNPs, and clinical risk factors were evaluated according to the patient's ICU admission. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for disease severity: neuromuscular diseases (OR = 7.02; 95% CI = 1.18-41.75; p = 0.032), cardiovascular diseases (OR = 5.47; 95% CI = 1.96-15.27; p = 0.001), subtype (H1N1) pdm09 infection (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.02-5.15; p = 0.046), and viral load (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.09-1.88; p = 0.009). The prognosis score for ICU admission is based on these predictors of severity presented and ROC curve AUC = 0.812 (p < 0.0001). Our results identified viral and host predictors of disease severity in IFA-infected patients, yielding a prognostic score that had a high performance in predicting the IFA patients' ICU admission and better results than a viral load value alone. However, its implementation in health services needs to be validated in a broader population.

Oswaldocruzia franciscoensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Molineidae) in Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Caatinga morphoclimatic domain, Brazil: morphological and molecular characterisation.

A new species of Oswaldocruzia Travassos, 1917 (Nematoda, Molineidae), parasite of Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 (Anura: Leptodactylidae), from Caatinga morphoclimatic domain, Brazil, is described based on morphological and molecular data. Oswaldocruzia franciscoensis n. sp. is characterised by an anterior extremity with a cephalic vesicle divided into two portions, a body covered by cuticular longitudinal ridges, and cervical alae. Males of the new species have caudal bursa of type I with a 2-1-2 pattern, spicules divided into a shoe, bifurcated fork, and blade with two unequal branches, in which the longer branch bifurcates at its distal portion end and the smaller branch with three distal processes, each with distal bifurcations. Females have didelphic and amphidelphic uteri, an ovijector divided into vestibule, anterior and posterior sphincters, and anterior and posterior infundibula. The new species differs from its Neotropical congeners that have caudal bursa of type I, based on the presence of cervical alae and by having a spicular blade distally divided into two unequal branches, with the longer branch bifurcating at its distal portion and smaller branch with three distal processes, each distally bifurcated. The partial 18S rDNA sequence generated for Oswaldocruzia franciscoensis n. sp. is the first of a representative belonging to this genus in the Neotropical region.

Lattice thermal conductivity of 2D nanomaterials: a simple semi-empirical approach.

Extracting reliable information on certain physical properties of materials, such as thermal transport, can be computationally very demanding. Aiming to overcome such difficulties in the particular case of lattice thermal conductivity (LTC) of 2D nanomaterials, we propose a simple, fast, and accurate semi-empirical approach for LTC calculation. The approach is based on parameterized thermochemical equations and Arrhenius-like fitting procedures, thus avoiding molecular dynamics or ab initio protocols, which frequently require computationally expensive simulations. As a proof of concept, we obtain the LTC of some prototypical physical systems, such as graphene (and other 2D carbon allotropes), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), silicene, germanene, binary, and ternary BNC lattices and two examples of the fullerene network family. Our obtained values are in good agreement with other theoretical and experimental estimations, nonetheless, being derived in a rather straightforward way, at a fraction of the usual computational cost.

Humeral chondrosarcoma associated with lung metastases in a young dog - case report / [Condrossarcoma em úmero associado a metástases pulmonares em cão jovem - relato de caso]

ABSTRACT Chondrosarcoma, an unusual malignant neoplasm, develops in cartilaginous tissue and presents low rate of metastasis, mainly affecting the axial skeleton from the adult to senile dogs. In the face of unusual occurrence of chondrosarcoma in the long bones of young dogs, the present report aimed to describe it in the right humerus of a two-and-a-half-year-old Siberian Husky, attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Franca, with limping of the right thoracic limb, for 20 days. The radiographic examination of the humerus showed bone lysis and periosteal proliferation. In the incisional biopsy, proliferation of atypical chondrocytes with diffuse distribution, interspersed with compact bone matrix, was observed. The amputation of the limb was performed, and the fragment histopathological analysis showed grade I chondrosarcoma. Periodic returns were made for neoplastic staging, and at 240 days after surgery lung metastases were detected, however, the tutor did not authorize chemotherapy and radiotherapy for financial reasons and due to the absence of respiratory symptoms so far (410 days after surgery). Although uncommon, chondrosarcoma can affect the long bones of young dogs, with clinical signs similar to other bone neoplasms, and, even with the radical limb amputation, can demonstrate systemic metastasis.

RESUMO O condrossarcoma, neoplasia maligna incomum, desenvolve-se em tecido cartilaginoso e apresenta baixo índice de metástases, acometendo principalmente o esqueleto axial de cães adultos a senis. Diante da ocorrência incomum de condrossarcoma em ossos longos de cães jovens, o presente relato teve como objetivo descrevê-lo no úmero direito de um Husky Siberiano de dois anos e meio de idade, atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Franca, com claudicação do membro torácico direito, há 20 dias. O exame radiográfico do úmero mostrou lise óssea e proliferação periosteal. Na biópsia incisional, observou-se proliferação de condrócitos atípicos com distribuição difusa, intercalados com matriz óssea compacta. Foi realizada a amputação do membro, e a análise histopatológica do fragmento evidenciou condrossarcoma grau I. Foram feitos retornos periódicos para estadiamento neoplásico e, aos 240 dias após a cirurgia, foram detectadas metástases pulmonares. O tutor não autorizou quimioterapia e radioterapia por motivos financeiros e por ausência de sintomas respiratórios até o momento (410 dias após a cirurgia). Apesar de incomum, o condrossarcoma pode acometer os ossos longos de cães jovens, com sinais clínicos semelhantes a outras neoplasias ósseas, e, mesmo com a amputação radical do membro, pode demonstrar metástase sistêmica.

The combined effects of binder addition and different sintering methods on the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bones has been used as a biomaterial in dentistry due to its biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, dense HA bioceramics still present inadequate properties for applications that require high mechanical performance, such as infrastructure. Microstructural reinforcements and control of ceramic processing steps are methods to improve these shortcomings. The present study assessed the effects of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) addition in combination with two sintering methodologies (2-step and conventional), on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline bovine HA bioceramics. The samples were divided into four groups (with 15 samples per group): conventional sintering with binder (HBC) and without binder (HWC) and 2-step sintering with (HB2) and without binder (HW2). HA was extracted from bovine bones, turned into nanoparticles in a ball mill, and subjected to uniaxial and isostatic pressing into discs, according to ISO 6872 standards. All groups were characterized by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and relative density. Besides, mechanical analyses (biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus of elasticity) were also performed. The characterization results demonstrated that adding agglutinants or the sintering method did not affect HA's chemical and structural characteristics. Even so, the HWC group showed the highest mechanical values for BFS and modulus of elasticity being 109.0 (98.0; 117.0) MPa and 105.17 ± 14.65 GPa, respectively. The HA ceramics submitted to conventional sintering and without the addition of binders achieved better mechanical properties than the other groups. The impacts of each variable were discussed and correlated to the final microstructures and mechanical properties.

Training a quantum measurement device to discriminate unknown non-orthogonal quantum states.

Here, we study the problem of decoding information transmitted through unknown quantum states. We assume that Alice encodes an alphabet into a set of orthogonal quantum states, which are then transmitted to Bob. However, the quantum channel that mediates the transmission maps the orthogonal states into non-orthogonal states, possibly mixed. If an accurate model of the channel is unavailable, then the states received by Bob are unknown. In order to decode the transmitted information we propose to train a measurement device to achieve the smallest possible error in the discrimination process. This is achieved by supplementing the quantum channel with a classical one, which allows the transmission of information required for the training, and resorting to a noise-tolerant optimization algorithm. We demonstrate the training method in the case of minimum-error discrimination strategy and show that it achieves error probabilities very close to the optimal one. In particular, in the case of two unknown pure states, our proposal approaches the Helstrom bound. A similar result holds for a larger number of states in higher dimensions. We also show that a reduction of the search space, which is used in the training process, leads to a considerable reduction in the required resources. Finally, we apply our proposal to the case of the phase flip channel reaching an accurate value of the optimal error probability.

Exogenous amylase increases gas production and improves in vitro ruminal digestion kinetics of sorghum and corn grains / Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gases e melhora a cinética de digestão ruminal in vitro de grãos de sorgo e milho

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta.

Utilização de caneca de alumínio como material alternativo para temperatura de globo de Vernon / Use of aluminum mug as alternative material for Vernon globe temperature

Diversos estudos relacionados à viabilidade e eficiência do uso de materiais alternativos ao globo de Vernon têm sido realizados, principalmente em decorrência ao preço elevado do cobre, componente do instrumento padrão. O objetivo foi avaliar a eficiência da utilização de caneca de alumínio como material alternativo para substituição do globo de Vernon. Para a confecção do protótipo empregou-se uma caneca de alumínio, utilizada em pistola de pintura, com capacidade de 50 ml. A caneca foi pintada com tinta preto-fosca, em duas camadas e um termômetro de mercúrio foi inserido ao centro. Para realização dos testes foram utilizados quatro equipamentos (dois globos de Vernon e dois globos negros alternativos). Foram efetuados testes prévios de comportamento temporal. Estabelecido o tempo, as temperaturas dos globos foram coletadas durante sete dias consecutivos, em três períodos, de 15 minutos cada. Os registros de temperatura foram realizados a cada cinco minutos, num total de 84 por equipamento. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram correlação positiva com o r2 de 0,9927, estabelecendo uma forte correlação entre os resultados de temperatura média do globo negro alternativo e globo de Vernon. Conclui-se que o globo negro alternativo do tipo caneca de alumínio mostrou-se eficiente para aferição da temperatura de globo negro em estudos de ambiência em substituição ao Globo de Vernon.(AU)

Several studies related to the feasibility and efficiency of using alternative materials to Vernon's globe have been carried out, mainly due to the high price of copper, a component of the standard instrument. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of using an aluminum mug as an alternative material for replacing Vernon's globe. To make the prototype, an aluminum mug was used, used in a paint gun, with a capacity of 50 ml. The mug was painted with matte black paint, in two layers and a mercury thermometer was inserted in the center. Four pieces of equipment were used to carry out the tests (two Vernon globes and two alternative black globes). Previous temporal behavior tests were carried out. Once the time was established, the globes' temperatures were collected for seven consecutive days, in three periods of 15 minutes each. Temperature records were taken every five minutes, a total of 84 per equipment. Data were subjected to Pearson's correlation analysis. The results indicated a positive correlation with the r2 of 0.9927, establishing a strong correlation between the mean temperature results of the alternative black globe and Vernon's globe. It is concluded that the alternative black globe of the aluminum mug type proved tobe efficient for measuring the temperature of the black globe in ambience studies, replacing the Vernon Globe.(AU)

Processing methods for human amniotic membrane as scaffold for tissue engineering with mesenchymal stromal human cells.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. The aims of this work were to compare chemically and physically processed human Amniotic Membranes (hAM) and analyze the cytocompatibility and proliferation rate (PR) of two primary human mesenchymal stromal cell lines, from different sources and donor conditions seeded over these scaffolds. The evaluated hAM processes were: cold shock to obtain a frozen amniotic membrane (FEAM) with remaining dead epithelial cells, denudation of hAM with trypsin for 20/10 min (DEAM20/10) or treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate to decellularized hAM (DAM). All samples were sterilized with gamma radiation. The selection of the treated hAM to then generate composites was performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and characterization by X-ray diffraction, selecting DEAM10 and FEAM as scaffolds for cell seeding. Two sources of primary human stromal cells were used, both developed by our researchers, human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSC) from living donors and human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hMSC) from bone marrow isolated from brain dead donors. This last line of cells conveys a novel source of human cells that, to our knowledge, have not been tested as part of this type of construct. We developed four in vitro constructs without cytotoxicity signs and with different PR depending on the scaffolds and cells. hDPSC and hMSC grew over both FEAM and DEAM10, but DEAM10 allowed higher PR.

Effect of resistance training combined with ß-glucan ingestion on bone of ovariectomized mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with prebiotic ß-glucan (BG) ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. METHODS: Forty-eight mice were divided into six treatments: SHAM group and five OVX groups treated with saline (SAL), alendronate (ALE) (0.1 mg/kg), BG (62.5 mg/kg), RT (climbing a ladder with load) and the combination of BG + RT. All treatments were performed three times per week for 8 weeks starting 38 days after ovariectomy. RESULTS: OVX effectiveness was confirmed by a reduction in uterus mass (p < 0.05). Femur weight was higher in the SHAM group, followed by the ALE and RT groups with intermediate values and the BG + RT, BG and SAL groups with the lowest values (p < 0.05). The bone mineral density (BMDDEXA) results were higher for the SHAM and RT groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). RT provided similar bone mass and resistance to fracture to ALE and SHAM. We found a similar number of osteocytes in the RT and SHAM groups, which was significantly higher than that found in animals receiving BG (p < 0.05). The BG + RT combination increased calcium bone concentration. CONCLUSION: RT promoted benefits on bone health in the OVX model, which were not complemented by the consumption of BG.

Effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with an acidogenic diet during the prepartum period in dairy cows: Mineral metabolism, energy balance, and lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows.

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on plasma, mineral, and metabolite concentrations, mineral balance, mineral excretion, rumination, energy balance, and milk production of dairy cows. We hypothesized that supplementing 3 mg/d of 25(OH)D3 during the prepartum period would be more effective than supplementing vitamin D3 at the National Research Council (2001) levels to minimize calcium imbalance during the transition period and improve milk production of dairy cows. Forty multiparous, pregnant nonlactating-Holstein cows were enrolled in this study. Body weight, body condition score, parity, and milk yield in the previous lactation (mean ± standard deviation) were 661 ± 59.2, 3.46 ± 0.35, 1.79 ± 0.87, and 33.2 ± 6.43 kg/d, respectively. Cows were enrolled into the blocks (n = 20 for each treatment) at 30 d of the expected day of calving to receive an acidogenic diet (373 g/kg of neutral detergent fiber and 136 g/kg of crude protein, dry matter basis; -110 mEq/kg) associated with the treatments: (1) control (CTRL), vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d (equivalent to 25,000 IU of vitamin D3/d) or (2) 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d (equivalent to 120,000 IU of vitamin D3/d). All cows were fed with the base ration for 49 d after calving. Blood samples were taken on d 7, 0, 1, 2, 21, and 42, relative to calving. No effect of treatment was observed for prepartum dry matter intake or body condition score. A trend for increase of ionized Ca was observed for the cows fed 25(OH)D3, compared with the CTRL, but no effect of treatment was detected for total Ca or total P. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increased colostrum yield. The plasmatic concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was increased with 25(OH)D3 supplementation. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation increased plasma glucose concentration at parturition. The postpartum dry matter intake was not influenced by treatments. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increases milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk and improves milk yield components in early lactation. Overall, these findings suggest that 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d can improve the energy metabolism and lactation performance, compared with the current-feeding practice of supplementing vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d.

Pericardite epistenocárdica: ainda existe? / Epistinocardial pericarditis: does it still exist?

INTRODUÇÃO: A pericardite epistenocáridica é caracterizada como processo inflamatório benigno que ocorre de um a três dias após o infarto (IAM). Com o advento do tratamento de reperfusão, houve uma redução significativa da incidência. Relatamos caso de IAM que evoluiu com derrame pericárdico volumoso com repercussões hemodinâmicas. RELATO DE CASO: Homem, 58 anos, admitido com IAM com supradesnivelamento ST (IAMCSST) anterior, de duas horas de evolução e submetido à trombólise com sucesso. Dois dias após, apresentou recorrência de angina e novo IAMCSST anterior. Foi tratado clinicamente e solicitada transferência para hospital terciário para realização de cateterismo dois dias após. Esse revelou lesão grave em artéria descendente anterior e disfunção importante do ventrículo esquerdo (VE). Foi submetido à angioplastia com stent farmacológico com sucesso. Evoluiu estável, em uso de dupla antiagregação plaquetária, entretanto o ecocardiograma revelou derrame pericárdico volumoso (22 mm), com discreto colabamento de átrio direito na diástole, FEVE 30%, aneurisma apical e trombos em VE. Durante internação, apresentou flutter controlado com amiodarona. Foi tratado com altas doses de aspirina (500mg 8/8h) e colchicina (0.5 mg 12/12h) sem redução do derrame. Optou-se pela realização de janela pleuropericárdica, com drenagem de 350 ml de líquido citrino. Paciente recebeu alta após 14 dias, em uso de rivaroxabana e clopidogrel. Em consulta ambulatorial após cinco meses, paciente estava oligossintomático com ecocardiograma revelando ainda disfunção VE (FE=27%), com acinesia apical, sem trombos e ausência de derrame pericárdico. DISCUSSÃO: A pericardite epistenocárdica está geralmente, relacionada a infartos extensos sem tratamento de reperfusão. Há raros relatos de derrames pericárdicos volumosos, com repercussão hemodinâmica e necessidade de drenagem. É preconizado o uso de AAS em doses anti-inflamatórias, associado a colchicina. Nesse caso, essas medidas não foram suficientes. A anticoagulação era necessária devido trombos e flutter, porém com risco de transformação hemorrágica. A literatura mostra que na vigência de derrame pericárdico, a anticoagulação pode ser segura com controle ecocardiográfico frequente. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de infrequente, pericardite epistenocárdica pode apresentar derrames volumosos, a despeito da terapia de reperfusão. Este caso evoluiu com achados ecocardiográficos raros e de alto risco com sinais incipientes de tamponamento cardíaco. Inicialmente tratado de forma conservadora, sem regressão do derrame, evoluiu com necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica.

Using rumination and activity data for early detection of anaplasmosis disease in dairy heifer calves.

Bovine anaplasmosis causes considerable economic losses in dairy cattle production systems worldwide, ranging from $300 million to $900 million annually. It is commonly detected through rectal temperature, blood smear microscopy, and packed cell volume (PCV). Such methodologies are laborious, costly, and difficult to systematically implement in large-scale operations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) rumination and activity data collected by Hr-Tag sensors (SCR Engineers Ltd.) in heifer calves exposed to anaplasmosis; and (2) the predictive ability of recurrent neural networks in early identification of anaplasmosis. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the effect of time series length before disease diagnosis (5, 7, 10, or 12 consecutive days) on the predictive performance of recurrent neural networks, and how early anaplasmosis disease can be detected in dairy calves (5, 3, and 1 d in advance). Twenty-three heifer calves aged 119 ± 15 (mean ± SD) d and weighing 148 ± 20 kg of body weight were challenged with 2 × 107 erythrocytes infected with UFMG1 strain (GenBank no. EU676176) isolated from Anaplasma marginale. After inoculation, animals were monitored daily by assessing PCV. The lowest PCV value (14 ± 1.8%) and the finding of rickettsia on blood smears were used as a criterion to classify an animal as sick (d 0). Rumination and activity data were collected continuously and automatically at 2-h intervals, using SCR Heatime Hr-Tag collars. Two time series were built including last sequence of -5, -7, -10, or -12 d preceding d 0 or a sequence of 5, 7, 10, or 12 d randomly selected in a window from -50 to -15 d before d 0 to ensure a sequence of days in which PCV was considered normal (32 ± 2.4%). Long short-term memory was used as a predictive approach, and a leave-one-animal-out cross-validation (LOAOCV) was used to assess prediction quality. Anaplasmosis disease reduced 34 and 11% of rumination and activity, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of long short-term memory in detecting anaplasmosis ranged from 87 to 98%, 83 to 100%, and 83 to 100%, respectively, using rumination data. For activity data, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity varied from 70 to 98%, 61 to 100%, and 74 to 100%, respectively. Predictive performance did not improve when combining rumination and activity. The use of longer time-series did not improve the performance of models to predict anaplasmosis. The accuracy and sensitivity in predicting anaplasmosis up to 3 d before clinical diagnosis (d 0) were greater than 80%, confirming the possibility for early identification of anaplasmosis disease. These findings indicate the great potential of wearable sensors in early identification of anaplasmosis diseases. This could positively affect the profitability of dairy farmers and animal welfare.

Standardization of a high-performance RT-qPCR for viral load absolute quantification of influenza A.

Influenza is an acute viral infectious respiratory disease worldwide, presenting in different clinical forms, from influenza-like illness (ILI) to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Although real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is already an important tool for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring of several viral infections, the correlation between the clinical aspects and the viral load of influenza is still unclear. This lack of clarity is primarily due to the low accuracy and reproducibility of the methodologies developed to quantify the influenza virus. Thus, this study aimed to develop and standardize a universal absolute quantification for influenza A by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), using a plasmid DNA. The assay showed efficiency (Eff%) 98.6, determination coefficient (R2) 0.998, linear range 10^1 to 10^10, limit of detection (LOD) 6.77, limit of quantification (LOQ) 20.52 copies/reaction. No inter and intra assay variability was shown, and neither was the matrix effect observed. Serial measurements of clinical samples collected at a 72h interval showed no change in viral load. By contrast, immunocompetent patients have a significantly lower viral load than immunosuppressed ones. Absolute quantification in clinical samples showed some predictors associated with increased viral load: (H1N1)pdm09 (0.045); women (p = 0.049) and asthmatics (p = 0.035). The high efficiency, precision, and previous performance in clinical samples suggest the assay can be used as an accurate universal viral load quantification of influenza A. Its applicability in predicting severity and response to antivirals needs to be evaluated.

Proteomic profile of vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos (Bos taurus indicus).

BACKGROUND: The proteomic profile of cryopreserved in vitro produced bovine embryos is little known but can provide insights on the successful application of cryo procedures in support of animal breeding. OBJECTIVE: To identify embryonic proteins and biomarkers related to improved cryotolerance of vitrified in vitro produced bovine embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proteins were isolated from embryo pools (n = 25 embryos per replicate) and analyzed using the nanoLC - MS/MS system. Further, the UniProtKB database (Uniprot -http://www.uniprot.org/) was used for protein identification. Proteins were classified based on their molecular mass, isoelectric point, and enzymatic activity. Post-translational modification predictions and functional gene ontology analysis were performed as well. Finally, a protein-protein interaction network was created to shed light on the embryo interactome. RESULTS: Based on the MS/MS approach, 66 proteins were identified from vitrified Bos taurus embryos. The retrieved proteins were presumably annotated, which allowed a description of the qualitative and functional aspects of the embryo proteome after the vitrification process. CONCLUSION: These findings allowed us to conclude that in vitro-produced vitrified embryos expressed proteins that underlie biological processes related to reproduction, stress and lipid metabolic process, which are essential to maintain embryo viability. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110512.

Desenvolvimento de plataforma informatizada para o gerenciamento da inspeção e análise laboratorial de produtos de origem animal fornecidos ao exército brasileiro / Development of a computerized platform for inspection management and laboratory analysis of animal products supplied to the Brazilian army

O trabalho propôs o desenvolvimento de plataforma informatizada para apoio ao gerenciamento da inspeção e análise laboratorial de produtos de origem animal fornecidos à tropa do Exército Brasileiro. A pesquisa aplicada corresponde à modalidade de produção tecnológica, em três fases. A fase I foi realizada por meio do levantamento dos arquivos de Laudos Fiscais dos artigos de origem animal, impressos e emitidos pelo LIAB (Laboratório de Inspeção de Alimentos e Bromatologia) do 12º Batalhão de Suprimento, durante o período de janeiro a novembro de 2021, e dos arquivos referentes aos Boletins Técnicos do Exército Brasileiro (BT30.404- EB). A fase II correspondeu ao projeto e desenvolvimento da "Plataforma Alimentar - Rastreabilidade e Confiabilidade Garantida". Toda a programação desenvolvida foi armazenada em um servidor web terceirizado e pode ser acessada pelos LIABs pelo link: www.pmppa.com.br/alimentar. A plataforma informatizada utilizou a linguagem PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) associada às linguagens CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), JS (Java script) e bootstrap. A fase III consistiu na realização do teste de Caixa Preta. Os módulos disponíveis para inclusão das informações no sistema são: "cadastro dos artigos de origem animal"; "lançamento das análises"; "cadastro de Boletim Técnico" e "relatórios", os quais permitem atribuir ao artigo de origem animal a qualidade satisfatória ou insatisfatória para o consumo seguro da tropa, de acordo com a avaliação laboratorial das amostras. Houve, com eficácia, o desenvolvimento da plataforma, garantindo ao oficial médico veterinário uma ferramenta segura para apoio ao gerenciamento de qualidade dos produtos destinados à alimentação da tropa do Exército Brasileiro.

The study proposed the development of a computerized platform to support the inspection management and laboratory analysis of animal products supplied to the Brazilian Army troops. The applied research corresponds to the modality of technological production in three phases. Phase I consisted in survey from Fiscal Report Files of animal products, which was printed and issued by the FIBL (Food Inspection and Bromatology Laboratory) from the 12th Supply Battalion, from January to November 2021, and the Brazilian Army's Technical Bulletins (BT30.404-EB) Files. Phase II corresponded to design and development of the "Food Platform - Guaranteed Traceability and Reliability". All the developed programming stored at an outsourced web server by accessing the FIBLS through the link: www.pmppa.com.br/alimentar. The supportive computerized platform used the PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) language associated with the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), JS (Java script) and bootstrap. Phase III consisted in performing a Black Box testing. The available modules for information inclusion in the system are the following issues: "Animal products registration"; "Analyses release"; "Technical Bulletin registration" and "Reports", which allow attributing the satisfactory or unsatisfactory quality to the animal products providing safe consumption for the troops, according to the evaluation of laboratory samples. The platform was effectively developed, guaranteeing the veterinary officer a safe tool to support the quality management of products intended for feeding the Brazilian Army troops.

Synthesis and characterization of a bovine collagen: GAG scaffold with Uruguayan raw material for tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine offer strategies to improve damaged tissues by using scaffolds and cells. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of TE has been intensively growing over the past decades. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are promising cell candidates for development of clinical composites. In this study, we proposed the development of a bovine collagen type I: chondroitin-6-sulphate (CG) scaffold, obtained from Uruguayan raw material (certified as free bovine spongiform encephalopathy), with CG crosslinking enhancement using different gamma radiation doses. Structural, biomechanical and chemical characteristics of the scaffolds were assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, axial tensile tests, FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. Once we selected the most appropriate scaffold for future use as a TE product, we studied the behavior of MSCs and DPSCs cultured on the scaffold by cytotoxicity, proliferation and differentiation assays. Among the diverse porous scaffolds obtained, the one with the most adequate properties was the one exposed to 15 kGy of gamma radiation. This radiation dose contributed to the crosslinking of molecules, to the formation of new bonds and/or to the reorganization of the collagen fibers. The selected scaffold was non-cytotoxic for the tested cells and a suitable substrate for cell proliferation. Furthermore, the scaffold allowed MSCs differentiation to osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Thus, this work shows a promising approach to the synthesis of a collagen-scaffold suitable for TE.