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Patients with endometrial cancer differ in terms of the extent of T-cell infiltration; however, the association between T-cell subpopulations and patient outcomes remains unexplored. We characterized 285 early-stage endometrial carcinoma samples for T-cell infiltrates in a tissue microarray format using multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The proportion of T cells and their subpopulations were associated with clinicopathological features and relapse-free survival outcomes. CD3+ CD4+ infiltrates were more abundant in the patients with higher grade or non-endometrioid histology. Cytotoxic T cells (CD25+, PD-1+, and PD-L1+) were strongly associated with longer relapse-free survival. Moreover, CD3+ PD-1+ stromal cells were independent of other immune T-cell populations and clinicopathological factors in predicting relapses. Patients with high stromal T-cell fraction of CD3+ PD-1+ cells were associated with a 5-year relapse-free survival rate of 93.7% compared to 79.0% in patients with low CD3+ PD-1+ fraction. Moreover, in patients classically linked to a favorable outcome (such as endometrioid subtype and low-grade tumors), the stromal CD3+ PD-1+ T-cell fraction remained prognostically significant. This study supports that T-cell infiltrates play a significant prognostic role in early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Specifically, CD3+ PD-1+ stromal cells emerge as a promising novel prognostic biomarker.

Host phylogenetic relatedness and ecological similarity are thought to contribute to parasite community assembly and infection rates. However, recent landscape level anthropogenic changes may disrupt host-parasite systems by impacting functional and phylogenetic diversity of host communities. We examined whether changes in host functional and phylogenetic diversity, forest cover, and minimum temperature influence the prevalence, diversity, and distributions of avian haemosporidian parasites (genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) across 18 avian communities in the Atlantic Forest. To explore spatial patterns in avian haemosporidian prevalence and taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, we surveyed 2241 individuals belonging to 233 avian species across a deforestation gradient. Mean prevalence and parasite diversity varied considerably across avian communities and parasites responded differently to host attributes and anthropogenic changes. Avian malaria prevalence (termed herein as an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites) was higher in deforested sites, and both Plasmodium prevalence and taxonomic diversity were negatively related to host functional diversity. Increased diversity of avian hosts increased local taxonomic diversity of Plasmodium lineages but decreased phylogenetic diversity of this parasite genus. Temperature and host phylogenetic diversity did not influence prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites. Variation in the diversity of avian host traits that promote parasite encounter and vector exposure (host functional diversity) partially explained the variation in avian malaria prevalence and diversity. Recent anthropogenic landscape transformation (reduced proportion of native forest cover) had a major influence on avian malaria occurrence across the Atlantic Forest. This suggests that, for Plasmodium, host phylogenetic diversity was not a biotic filter to parasite transmission as prevalence was largely explained by host ecological attributes and recent anthropogenic factors. Our results demonstrate that, similar to human malaria and other vector-transmitted pathogens, prevalence of avian malaria parasites will likely increase with deforestation.

Bariatric surgery is the only procedure to obtain and maintain weight loss in the long term, although the mechanisms driving these benefits are not completely understood. In the last years, gut microbiota has emerged as one of the drivers through its metabolites, especially secondary bile acids. In the current study, we have compared the gut microbiota and the bile acid pool, as well as anthropometric and biochemical parameters, of patient with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery by two different techniques, namely Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Gut microbiota populations differed after the respective procedures, particularly with respect to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Both techniques resulted in changes in the bile acids pool, but RYGB was the procedure which suffered the greatest changes, with a reduction in most of their levels. Blautia and Veillonella were the two genera that more relationships showed with secondary bile acids, indicating a possible role in their formation and inhibition, respectively. Correlations with the anthropometric and biochemical variables showed that secondary bile acids could have a role in the amelioration of the glucose and HDL-cholesterol levels. Thus, we have observed a possible relationship between the interaction of the bile acids pool metabolized by the gut microbiota in the metabolic improvements obtained by bariatric surgery in the frame of morbid obesity, deserving further investigation in greater cohorts to decipher the role of each bile acid in the homeostasis of the host for their possible use in the development of microbiota-based therapeutics, such as new drugs, postbiotics or probiotics.

The molecular epidemiology of 38 non-duplicate toxigenic Clostridioides (previously Clostridium) difficile isolates from inpatients from a hospital in Brazil during a 6-year period (2012-2017) were investigated by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and ribotyping. These isolates were classified into 20 sequence types (ST), six (30%) of which were novel, revealing a high diversity in a single hospital. Classic hypervirulent strains ST1/RT027 and ST11/RT078 were not identified, while ST42 (almost all RT106) was the most common type, being detected in 11 (28.9%) strains. Noteworthy, six (15.8%) isolates were classified into five STs from clade 2, four of which were new ST and RT. Our study suggests that possible hypervirulent strains other than ST1/RT027 might be inadvertently circulating in Brazilian hospitals and highlights the importance of permanent surveillance on circulating strains in a national scale.

Apolipoprotein (Apo)‐based mimetic peptides have been shown to reduce atherosclerosis. Most of the ApoC‐II and ApoE mimetics exert anti‐atherosclerotic effects by improving lipid profile. ApoC‐II mimetics reverse hypertriglyceridemia and ApoE‐based peptides such as Ac‐hE18A‐NH2 reduce cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels in humans. Conversely, other classes of ApoE and ApoA‐I mimetic peptides and, more recently, ApoJ and LRP1‐based peptides, exhibit several antiatherosclerotic actions in experimental models without influencing lipoprotein profile. These other mimetic peptides display at least one atheroprotective mechanism such as providing LDL stability against mechanical modification or conferring protection against the action of lipolytic enzymes inducing LDL aggregation in the arterial intima. Other anti‐atherosclerotic effects exerted by these peptides also include protection against foam cell formation and inflammation, and induction of reverse cholesterol transport. Although the underlying mechanisms of action are still poorly described, the recent findings suggest that these mimetics could confer atheroprotection by favorably influencing lipoprotein function rather than lipoprotein levels. Despite the promising results obtained with peptide mimetics, the assessment of their stability, atheroprotective efficacy and tissue targeted delivery are issues currently under progress., The economic support was received from Fundació MARATÓ TV3 with the grant 201521- 10 (to V.L.C), FIS PI18/01584 (to V.L.C) and FIS PI19/00421 (to S.B.) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-financed with ERDFs and from Ayudas Fundación BBVA a Equipos de Investigación Científica en Biomedicina 2019. A.B.A. is a predoctoral fellow (FI19/00205) granted by the Programme _Contratos predoctorales de formación de investigación en salud_and J.J. is recipient of a Miguel Servet Type 2 contract (CPII18/00004) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-financed with ERDFs. E.G. Grant support was also received from Fundación BBVA (Project “Translational Molecular Imaging for Detection of Cholesterol Entrapment in the Vasculature with 68Ga-labeled LRP1-derived Peptides”). The team is part of CIBER Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV; CB16/11/00276 to V.L.C.) and CIBER Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM; CB07/08/0016 to J.J.), projects run by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. The team also participates in Redes de investigación (Enfermedades Metabólomicas y Cáncer RED2018-102799-T), a project run by MINECO. A.B.A., E.G., J.J., S.B. and V.L.C. are members of the Vascular Biology Group of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society.

RESUMO Esse estudo objetivou avaliar sazonalmente a histomorfometria do epidídimo de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes machos adultos capturados por redes de neblina. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente ao longo de dezoito meses, durante duas noites consecutivas e os dados meteorológicos foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Depois de eutanasiados, os espécimes tiveram os epidídimos coletados e esses órgãos foram fixados e processados. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas por Hematoxilina - Eosina e analisadas em microscopia óptica. Os parâmetros morfométricos analisados foram as áreas do túbulo, do lúmen e do epitélio das regiões do segmento inicial, cabeça, corpo e cauda do epidídimo. Os dados histomorfométricos obtidos foram submetidos às análises no teste U de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados revelaram que D. cinerea apresentou espermatozoides em todas as regiões do epidídimo, exceto no segmento inicial. As maiores médias das áreas tubular, do lúmen e do epitélio nas quatro regiões, foram constatadas durante os meses secos. Portanto, D cinerea apresentou maior sensibilidade na região da cauda do epidídimo, ao longo dos meses com baixos índices pluviométricos. Isso indica que as condições ambientais apresentam considerável influência sobre a morfofisiologia epidídimária dessa espécie, sobretudo, em relação ao armazenamento de espermatozoides na cauda desse órgão, em área de Mata atlântica do nordeste brasileiro. ABSTRACT Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal patterns in the histomorphometry of the epididymis of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. Eighteen adult male specimens captured by mist net were used. The field-work occurred monthly over 18 months, during two consecutive nights. Meteorological data (precipitation) were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. After euthanasia, specimens had the epididymis collected, which were fixed and processed. The histological slides produced were stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and analyzed by optical microscopy. The morphometric parameters analyzed were the tubular, lumen and epithelium areas, of the regions of the initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis. The histomorphometric data were submitted to the Mann-Whitney U test analyzes. The results showed that D. cinerea presented spermatozoa in all regions of the epididymis, except in the initial segment. The highest averages of the tubular, lumen and epithelial areas in the four regions were observed during the dry months. Therefore, D cinerea presented greater sensibility in the region of the cauda of the epididymis, during the months with low rainfall indices. This indicates that environmental conditions have considerable influence on the epididymal morphophysiology of this species, especially in relation to the storage of sperm in the tail of this organ, in area of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil.

Patagioneas picazuro (Temminck 1813) são Columbidae consideradas pragasdevido a danos causados às lavouras de grãos e problemas relacionados àsuperpopulação. Eles também podem atuar como hospedeiros de parasitas que podem gerar problemas de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar os ectoparasitos em P. picazuro em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil, bem como identificar a presença de patógenos que podem usar esses artrópodes como vetores. Os artrópodes coletados foram identificados morfologicamente como Ornithoctona erythrocephala (Leach 1817) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) e Columbicola passerinae (Wilson 1941) (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae). O DNA dos ectoparasitas foi extraído e processado molecularmente por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). As amostras foram rastreadas quanto à presença de Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. e Rickettsia spp., porém os resultados foram negativos para os patógenos testados. Mais estudos precisam ser realizados para identificar o papel desses ectoparasitas na transmissão de patógenos e se eles atuam como vetores biológicos ou mecânicos. Este é o primeiro relato de Ornithoctona erythrocephala em Minas Gerais e o primeiro registro de parasitismo por Columbicola passerinae em Patagioneas picazuro.

Environmental pollution may be considered one of the main problems affecting the world population. As the effluents from textile industries are the largest representatives of sources of pollution of water bodies due to the disposal of colored compounds in the environment. Microorganisms capable of thriving in textile wastewater may exhibit metabolic machinery to synthesize a wide variety of enzymes and/or secondary metabolites of industrial interest. The present work investigated the biotechnological potential of filamentous fungi from wastewater of a textile industry for the production of laccase, cellulase, amylase and lipase enzymes and their potential for discoloration capacity of Remazol Brilliant Blue R synthetic dye. The isolate Aspergillus sydowii (ITF 30) presented the best cellulase (46.74 U mL-1), amylase, lipase and laccase (0.0273 U L-1) production, as well as RBBR dye discoloration ability in solid medium, followed by isolate Aspergillus sydowii (ITF 27) able to synthesize cellulase, amylase and laccase and had the capacity to discolor 74.7% of RBBR in liquid medium. The results of the present work encourage future studies of characterization, optimization and purification of the enzymes encountered, aiming to be used in bioremediation processes of textile industrial effluents.

Background : Cenurosis is a parasitic disease caused by Coenurus cerebralis , an intermediate form of Taenia multiceps multiceps , causing a fatal disease in production animals. Its adult form ( Taenia ) lodges in the small intestine of canids and can infect several intermediate hosts. Sheep are the main species affected by the disease, having nervous symptoms as one of its manifestations. This study aimed to describe the changes observed in computed tomography, as well as the clinical findings of a case of Cenurosis in a sheep on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul. Case : A ram was referred to the Centro Universitario da Regiao da Campanha (URCAMP) with neurological signs. Clinical, hematological, radiographic, tomographic and necroscopic evaluation of the animal was performed. There were no significant hematological and radiographic changes. During the neurological examination, corneal opacity was found in the right eyeball, associated with a visual deficit in the same eye. Also, when stimulated to move, it was possible to observe ataxia with ambulation to the left side, with right lateral displacement of the head. The tomography showed a hypodense area of approximately 3 cm at the base of the brain, in the region of the thalamus and third ventricle. Macroscopically, a translucent spherical cyst with approximately 4 cm in diameter was observed, containing the protoescolex/scolices of Taenia multiceps in the same region. Discussion : Computed tomography identified the presence of an apparently circular volume of approximately 4 cm in diameter, causing ventricular dilatation. This evidence of ventricular dilation corroborates aspects described in the literature, which found bilateral dilation of the ventricles by compression promoted by a cyst in the 4 th ventricle. As the location of the cyst was located at the base of the brain, in the region of the third ventricle, it would be difficult to perform the surgery in the treatment of this case. Signs of ataxia, walking movements, decreased reflexes, nystagmus, unilateral blindness and lateral decubitus are commonly observed. Reports described that the main neurological alterations observed in 20 sheep with cenurosis were postural deficit, locomotion alteration, visual deficit and behavioral alterations, with more than 50% of the animals showing at least one of these signs. The main neurological signs observed in the case described were changes in gait, with walking, blindness, lateral head deviation and ataxia. These signs guide the clinical diagnosis of cenurosis. At necropsy, a spherical translucent cyst with approximately 4 cm in diameter was observed, containing the protoescolex/scolices of Taenia multiceps , which extended dorsally from the third ventricle to the base of the thalamus, laterally displaced to the right side. Rostrocaudal the lesion extended rostrally across the entire length of the thalamus to the beginning of the caudate nucleus and caudally to the base of the caudal colliculus, causing compression of the adjacent parenchyma, enabling the diagnosis of cenurosis. Similar findings are described as Coenurus cerebralis . This lesion pattern macroscopically characterizes the parasite lesions. Thus, it is concluded that the visualization of a hypodense area in CNS regions of sheep with neurological signs allows the diagnosis of cenurosis and precise location of the lesion. The description of this case adds information so that other professionals in the field can be successful in diagnosing the disease. Keywords: parasitologia, Taenia multiceps multiceps , Coenurus cerebralis , ovelhas, torneio verdadeiro. Descritores: parasitology, Taenia multiceps multiceps , Coenurus cerebralis , sheep, true tournament. Titulo: Cenurose em ovino com sinais neurologicos - diagnostico com tomografia computadorizada.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare tumor subpopulation with high differentiation, proliferative and tumorigenic potential compared to the remaining tumor population. CSCs were first discovered by Bonnet and Dick in 1997 in acute myeloid leukemia. The identification and isolation of these cells in this pioneering study were carried out through the flow cytometry, exploiting the presence of specific cell surface molecular markers (CD34+/CD38−). In the following years, different strategies and projects have been developed for the study of CSCs, which are basically divided into surface markers assays and functional assays; some of these techniques also allow working with a cellular model that better mimics the tumor architecture. The purpose of this mini review is to summarize and briefly describe all the current methods used for the identification, isolation and enrichment of CSCs, describing, where possible, the molecular basis, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique with a particular focus on those that offer a three-dimensional culture.

The gut-brain-microbiota axis consists of a bilateral communication system that enables gut microbes to interact with the brain, and the latter with the gut. Gut bacteria influence behavior, and both depression and anxiety symptoms are directly associated with alterations in the microbiota. Psychobiotics are defined as probiotics that confer mental health benefits to the host when ingested in a particular quantity through interaction with commensal gut bacteria. The action mechanisms by which bacteria exert their psychobiotic potential has not been completely elucidated. However, it has been found that these bacteria provide their benefits mostly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the immune response and inflammation, and through the production of neurohormones and neurotransmitters. This review aims to explore the different approaches to evaluate the psychobiotic potential of several bacterial strains and fermented products. The reviewed literature suggests that the consumption of psychobiotics could be considered as a viable option to both look after and restore mental health, without undesired secondary effects, and presenting a lower risk of allergies and less dependence compared to psychotropic drugs.

Gluten is the ethanol-soluble protein fraction of cereal endosperms like wheat, rye, and barley. It is widely used in the food industry because of the physical–chemical properties it gives to dough. Nevertheless, there are some gluten-related diseases that are presenting increasing prevalences, e.g., celiac disease, for which a strict gluten-free diet is the best treatment. Due to this situation, gluten labeling legislation has been developed in several countries around the world. This article reviews the gluten immune detection systems that have been applied to comply with such regulations. These systems have followed the development of antibody biotechnology, which comprise three major methodologies: polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from hybridoma cells (some examples are 401.21, R5, G12, and α-20 antibodies), and the most recent methodology of recombinant antibodies. Initially, the main objective was the consecution of new high-affinity antibodies, resulting in low detection and quantification limits that are mainly achieved with the R5 mAb (the gold standard for gluten detection). Increasing knowledge about the causes of gluten-related diseases has increased the complexity of research in this field, with current efforts not only focusing on the development of more specific and sensitive systems for gluten but also the detection of protein motifs related to pathogenicity. New tools based on recombinant antibodies will provide adequate safety and traceability methodologies to meet the increasing market demand for gluten-free products.

Background: PAH is characterized by vascular remodeling, increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy. Dysregulation of BMPR2 signaling is linked to hereditary and idiopathic forms of PAH. PDGF signaling plays an important role in BMPR2 regulation and is activated in human PAH. Here we studied effects of GB002, a novel inhaled PDGFRα/β inhibitor on PDGFR pathway inhibition and BMPR2 modulation. Methods: In vitro GB002 potency was evaluated in biochemical and cell-based assays. In vivo dose- and time-dependent modulation of PDGFR phosphorylation and BMPR2 expression was assessed in healthy Sprague Dawley rats. Impact of GB002 on disease progression was evaluated in the SU5416 Hypoxia rat PAH model. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA (p Results: GB002 potently inhibited PDGFRα (IC50 8nM) and β (IC50 10nM) activity in enzyme assays and PDGF-induced PDGFR and ERK phosphorylation, as well as cell proliferation in human lung fibroblasts. GB002 inhibited PDGFR phosphorylation in presence of intratracheally delivered PDGF in vivo. PDGFR inhibition correlated with increased BMPR2 expression in a dose- and time- dependent manner. In the SU5416 Hypoxia PAH model, GB002 reduced PAP by 40% (p Conclusions: Lung localized delivery of GB002 inhibits PDGFR signaling and restores BMPR2 expression in vivo, translating to improved cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and disease reverse remodeling in the SU5416/H rat PAH model. GB002 is in clinical development for PAH (NCT03926793).

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, has been reported among military personnel in Coccidioides-endemic areas of the southwestern United States since World War II. In this study, the prevalence of Coccidioides was confirmed in different soil and dust samples collected near three military bases in California using DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods. Analyses of physical and chemical parameters revealed no significant differences between Coccidioides-positive and -negative sites. Soil samples collected in the Mojave Desert (near Twentynine Palms MCAGCC) showed the highest percentage of Coccidioides-positive soil and dust samples. Samples from the San Joaquin Valley (near NAS Lemoore) showed the lowest percentage of positive samples and were restricted to remnants of semi-natural areas between agricultural fields. Our results suggest that soil disturbance around all three military bases investigated poses a potential Coccidioides exposure risk for military personnel and the public. We conclude that once lands have been severely disturbed from their original state, they become less suitable for Coccidioides growth. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding exposure where disturbance of soils that exhibit natural or remnants of native vegetation (Creosote and Salt Bush) generate a high risk of exposure to the pathogen, likely during dry periods. In contrast, Coccidioides-positive sites, when undisturbed, will not pose a high risk of exposure.

The aim of this preliminary study was to identify microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance profile and biofilm producers in oropharynx of Rupornis magnirostris and Caracara plancus. Six R. magnirostris and six C. plancus maintained in Triage Center for Wild Animals (CETAS) facilities were studied. Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), enterobacteria, and yeasts were identified by the biochemical analysis or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The resistance profile of the microorganisms was analyzed according to CLSI. The biofilm production was evaluated by Congo red and violet crystal staining methods. Among the 12 birds, 10 presented strains of CoPS and/or enterobacteria with resistance profile, such as methicillin-resistant CoPS (MR-CoPS), vancomycin-resistant CoPS (VR-CoPS), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase- (KPC-) producing bacteria. Regards the fungal analysis, Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, R. glutinis, and Trichosporon coremiiforme were identified. All the Trichosporon coremiiforme strains were resistant to amphotericin B, as well as all the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa exhibited resistance to fluconazole. Related to the biofilm production, among the 8 CoPS, 27 enterobacteria, and 10 yeasts isolates, 3, 16, and 7 strains were biofilm producers, respectively. Thus, the presence of these microorganisms in birds of prey is worrisome, highlighting its possible influence in the spread of infections in urban centers.

Sugar-beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) pulp is a valuable by-product from the manufacture of beet sugar fresh which is normally preserved in the form of silage. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of adding a homofermentative lactic acid bacteria silage additive during the ensiling period on fermentation and quality of sugar-beet (SB) pulp silage and the animal performance of dairy cows given restricted daily access to pasture. Twelve Holstein × Friesian crossbred cows were assigned to two groups according to milk yield, body weight, days in milk, parity and body condition score. Groups were randomly allocated to two treatments: silage of SB pulp without additive (control diet, SB) and silage of SB pulp with additive (SB+additive). The experiment was carried out in two periods of 28 d each. Once finished each period, cows were crossed for treatments. Chemical composition of SB silage was modified by the additive: Neutral detergent fiber (41.8% vs. 45.7% DM) and metabolizable energy (2.54 vs. 2.55 Mcal kg-1 DM) were greater and butyrate lower (0.34 vs. 4.10 mmol L-1) for SB+additive compared with SB. However, milk production (24.6 and 25.2 kg d-1) and composition were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Similarly, rumen volatile fatty acids were similar between treatments. In conclusion, the use of homofermentative lactic acid additive on SB silage modified the chemical composition of silage and reduced the pasture intake, however, no changes in milk production and composition were detected.

This study evaluated the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments on extraction efficiency and functionality of dietary fiber and polyphenols present in seaweeds. HHP processes at 400 MPa/15 min and 600 MPa/5 min were applied to aqueous dispersions of two edible brown seaweed meals (Silvetia compressa and Ecklonia arborea). The treated and untreated dispersions underwent rheology studies and were analyzed for total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (SDF, IDF), and high and low molecular weight soluble dietary fiber (HMWSDF, LMWSDF). In addition, hydro-ethanolic extracts from treated and untreated dispersions were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH method). The physicochemical properties of both untreated seaweed dispersions were different and the HHP treatment conditions affected them differently. TDF of untreated seaweeds was high (59 and 55%), but SDF/TDF ratios and viscosity were higher in E. arborea. The 400 MPa/15 min treatment increased LMWSDF in E. arborea and SDF (mainly HMWSDF) in S. compressa; the 600 MPa/5 min treatment increased TDF, IDF, and HMWSDF in E. arborea and TDF, IDF, SDF, and HMWSDF in S. compressa. The viscosity of both dispersions increased after HHP treatment, exhibiting a typical pseudoplastic behavior, but this effect was higher for S. compressa. HHP increased the extraction yield and TPC in E. arborea but decreased them in S. compressa and reduced the DPPH radical scavenging activity in both seaweeds, particularly in E. arborea. Compositional and functional changes in HHP-treated seaweeds may have multiple applications in food and nutraceutical industries.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is responsible for most cases of nosocomial diarrhea and, despite the high prevalence of the disease worldwide, the best laboratory diagnostic approach to diagnose C. difficile infection (CDI) is a subject of ongoing debate. Although the use of multiple tests is recommended, the cost of these algorithms commonly exceeds the affordability in some countries. Thus, to improve CDI diagnosis in a university hospital in Brazil, this study analyzed two immunochromatographic tests and one enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) to evaluate the detection of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and A/B toxins of C. difficile. Stool samples of 89 adult patients presenting nosocomial diarrhea during hospitalization were included. The toxigenic culture was used as the reference method. GDH detection by both commercial tests showed high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (92.1%). On the other hand, toxin-based methods showed a sensitivity between 19.2 and 57.7%. In conclusion, the results suggest that rapid tests for GDH detection are not only suitable for CDI diagnosis as screening tests but also as a single method. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s42770-020-00288-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Frog farming systems do not take advantage of their byproducts, which represents health risks and environmental pollution. The present study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profile of American Bullfrog byproducts (whole frogs (WF), legs (LF), and skin (SF)) and their technological functionality. Results showed that WF, LF, and SF protein content was 47.6, 88.4, and 91.1% dry base (d.b.), correspondingly. Fat content resulted in 34.6, 3.2, and 4.2% (d.b.), respectively. Moreover, byproducts contain all the essential amino acids (23.8–46.6%), and the unsaturated fatty acids predominated the saturated fats. Samples showed water and oil absorption capacities of 1.8–2.6% and 1.8–4.0%, respectively, while oil and water emulsion capacities were 76.7–98.3% and 36.1–85.6%, correspondingly. Additionally, SF presented a gelling capacity in a 5% concentration. These results showed that frogs' byproducts have adequate nutritional and functional capacities, compared to other vegetable and animal flours used in the industry.

Accurate determination of total dietary fiber (DF) and its soluble (SDF) and insoluble (IDF) fractions is relevant for food analysis research and nutritional labelling. AOAC integrated DF methodology (AOAC 2011.25, IM) has procedure differences compared to the traditionally used AOAC method (991.43, TM), resulting in different DF quantification. However, IM has been mostly performed for cereal-based products and its application in sources such as fruit products needs to be studied. The aim of this study was to compare the DF content obtained by TM with that achieved using IM in pulps and peels of banana (Musa paradisiaca), mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota), mango (Mangifera indica), Meyer lemon (Citrus meyeri), orange (Citrus sinensis), prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Samples containing high starch (banana and its peel, mamey sapote and mango pulp) showed higher IDF values when IM was used. Differences were observed when pectinaceous fruits (orange, Meyer lemon, mango and prickly pear) were assayed, since soluble and insoluble pectins are underestimated by TM. Fruits with a high content of non-digestible oligosaccharides showed higher SDF values when assayed by IM. The use of IM in fruits and their by-products provides relevant information about DF fractions and reduces DF underestimations typically observed when assayed by TM.

Isolation and functional characterization of microorganisms are relevant steps for generating starter cultures with functional properties, and more recently, those related to improving mental health. Milk kefir grains have been recently investigated as a source of health-related strains. This study focused on the evaluation of microorganisms from artisanal Mexican milk kefir grains regarding probiotic properties, in vitro fermentability with commercial prebiotics (lactulose, inulin, and citrus pectin), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing capacity. Microorganisms were identified belonging to genera Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Kluyveromyces. The probiotic properties were assessed by aggregation abilities, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, showing a good performance compared with commercial probiotics. Most of isolates maintained a concentration above 6 log colony forming units/mL after the intestinal phase. Specific isolates of Kluyveromyces (BIOTEC009 and BIOTEC010), Leuconostoc (BIOTEC011 and BIOTEC012), and Lactobacillus (BIOTEC014 and BIOTEC15) showed a high fermentability in media supplemented with commercial prebiotics. The capacity to produce GABA was classified as medium for L. lactis BIOTEC006, BIOTEC007, and BIOTEC008, K. lactis BIOTEC009, L. pseudomesenteroides BIOTEC012, and L. kefiri BIOTEC014, and comparable to that obtained for commercial probiotics. Finally, a multivariate approach was performed, allowing the grouping of 2–5 clusters of microorganisms that could be further considered new promising cultures for functional dairy food applications.

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects from 20% to 50% of cirrhotic patients, and the one-month mortality rate is 60%. The main cause of AKI is bacterial infection, which worsens circulatory dysfunction through the release of HMGB1 and IL-6. Objectives. To evaluate HMGB1 and IL-6 as biomarkers of morbidity/mortality. Methods. Prospective, observational study of 25 hospitalised cirrhotic patients with AKI. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the time of diagnosis of AKI, including serum HMGB1 and IL-6. Results. The mean age was 55 years; 70% were male. Infections accounted for 13 cases. The 30-day and three-month mortality rates were 17.4% and 30.4%, respectively. HMGB1 levels were lower in survivors than in nonsurvivors at 30 days (1174.2 pg/mL versus 3338.5 pg/mL, p=0.035), but not at three months (1540 pg/mL versus 2352 pg/mL, p=0.243). Serum IL-6 levels were 43.3 pg/mL versus 153.3 pg/mL (p=0.061) at 30 days and 35.8 pg/mL versus 87.9 pg/mL (p=0.071) at three months, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for HMGB1 was 0.842 and 0.657, and that for IL-6 was 0.803 and 0.743 for discriminating nonsurvivors at 30 days and three months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, no biomarker was independently associated with mortality. Conclusion. HMGB1 levels were associated with decreased survival in cirrhotics. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

Background Female promiscuity is highly variable among birds, and particularly among songbirds. Comparative work has identified several patterns of covariation with social, sexual, ecological and life history traits. However, it is unclear whether these patterns reflect causes or consequences of female promiscuity, or if they are byproducts of some unknown evolutionary drivers. Moreover, factors that explain promiscuity at the deep nodes in the phylogenetic tree may be different from those important at the tips, i.e. among closely related species. Here we examine the relationships between female promiscuity and a broad set of predictor variables in a comprehensive data set (N = 202 species) of Passerides songbirds, which is a highly diversified infraorder of the Passeriformes exhibiting significant variation in female promiscuity. Results Female promiscuity was highly variable in all major clades of the Passerides phylogeny and also among closely related species. We found several significant associations with female promiscuity, albeit with fairly small effect sizes (all R2 ≤ 0.08). More promiscuous species had: 1) less male parental care, particularly during the early stages of the nesting cycle (nest building and incubation), 2) more short-term pair bonds, 3) greater degree of sexual dichromatism, primarily because females were drabber, 4) more migratory behaviour, and 5) stronger pre-mating sexual selection. In a multivariate model, however, the effect of sexual selection disappeared, while the other four variables showed additive effects and together explained about 16% of the total variance in female promiscuity. Female promiscuity showed no relationship with body size, life history variation, latitude or cooperative breeding. Conclusions We found that multiple traits were associated with female promiscuity, but these associations were generally weak. Some traits, such as reduced parental care in males and more cryptic plumage in females, might even be responses to, rather than causes of, variation in female promiscuity. Hence, the high variation in female promiscuity among Passerides species remains enigmatic. Female promiscuity seems to be a rapidly evolving trait that often diverges between species with similar ecologies and breeding systems. A future challenge is therefore to understand what drives within-lineage variation in female promiscuity over microevolutionary time scales. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1493-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:37:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:34:05Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1679-62252019000100205.pdf: 4783293 bytes, checksum: f68a7e7f1698f943567c25c56928d09d (MD5) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The sciaenid genus Bairdiella comprises a group of relatively small fishes found in inshore waters and estuaries of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific. Despite recent analyses of the phylogenetic relationships of Bairdiella, there has been no comprehensive revision of the alpha taxonomy of the species of the genus. Bairdiella ronchus from the western Atlantic, has a complex taxonomic history, with four junior synonyms recognized. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, this study indicates that B. ronchus represents a species complex. The species is therefore redescribed and its geographic range is redefined. Bairdiella veraecrucis, which is currently recognized as a junior synonym of B. ronchus, is revalidated, and a new species of the genus is described from the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Finally, inferences are made on the diversity and biogeography of the B. ronchus species complex. Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, BR-66040170 Belem, PA, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Morfol, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Biol, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool, BR-04263000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Acervo Zool Univ Santa Cecilia, BR-11045907 Santos, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Morfol, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil CNPq: 300462/2016-6 CNPq: 306054/2006-0 CNPq: 300940/2015-7 CNPq: 405144/2013-0 FAPESP: ICAAF 017/2016 FAPESP: 2016/09204-6

The authors thank the Metagenomic Platform of the CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain., The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2019.00613/ full#supplementary-material, Objective: Obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases are characterized by gut microbiota and epigenetic alterations. Recent insight has suggested the existence of a crosstalk between the gut microbiome and the epigenome. However, the possible link between alterations in gut microbiome composition and epigenetic marks in obesity has been not explored yet. The aim of this work is to establish a link between the gut microbiota and the global DNA methylation profile in a group of obese subjects and to report potential candidate genes that could be epigenetically regulated by gut microbiota in adipose tissue. Methods: Gut microbiota composition was analyzed in DNA stool samples from 45 obese subjects by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Twenty patients were selected based on their Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio (BFR): HighBFR group (BFR > 2.5, n = 10) and LowBFR group (BFR < 1.2, n = 10). Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation pattern in both whole blood and visceral adipose tissue of these selected patients was performed with an Infinium EPIC BeadChip array-based platform. Gene expression analysis of candidate genes was done in adipose tissue by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation revealed a completely different DNA methylome pattern in both blood and adipose tissue in the low BFR group vs. the high BFR group. Two hundred fifty-eight genes were differentially methylated in both blood and adipose tissue, of which several potential candidates were selected for gene expression analysis. We found that in adipose tissue, both HDAC7 and IGF2BP2 were hypomethylated and overexpressed in the low BFR group compared with the high BFR group. β values of both genes significantly correlated with the BFR ratio and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and/or Firmicutes. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that the DNA methylation status is associated with gut microbiota composition in obese subjects and that the expression levels of candidate genes implicated in glucose and energy homeostasis (e.g., HDAC7 and IGF2BP2) could be epigenetically regulated by gut bacterial populations in adipose tissue., This study was supported by the “Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red” (CIBER) of the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII) (CB06/03/0018) and research grants from the ISCIII (grant numbers PI15/01114 and PI18/01160) and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). BR-M was a recipient of a Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship from the ISCIII (CD16/0003) and co-funded by the ERDF. IM-I was supported by the Miguel Servet Type I program (CP16/00163) from the ISCIII and co-funded by the ERDF.

Sperm swimming performance affects male fertilization success, particularly in species with high sperm competition. Understanding how sperm morphology impacts swimming performance is therefore important. Sperm swimming speed is hypothesized to increase with total sperm length, relative flagellum length (with the flagellum generating forward thrust), and relative midpiece length (as the midpiece contains the mitochondria). We tested these hypotheses and tested for divergence in sperm traits in five island populations of Canary Islands chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis). We confirmed incipient mitochondrial DNA differentiation between Gran Canaria and the other islands. Sperm swimming speed correlated negatively with total sperm length, did not correlate with relative flagellum length, and correlated negatively with relative midpiece length (for Gran Canaria only). The proportion of motile cells increased with relative flagellum length on Gran Canaria only. Sperm morphology was similar across islands. We thus add to a growing number of studies on passerine birds that do not support sperm morphology–swimming speed hypotheses. We suggest that the swimming mechanics of passerine sperm are sufficiently different from mammalian sperm that predictions from mammalian hydrodynamic models should no longer be applied for this taxon. While both sperm morphology and sperm swimming speed are likely under selection in passerines, the relationship between them requires further elucidation.

Summary Background: Katahdin breed sheep is highly disseminated in Mexico. This breed and its crosses have recently gained attention among sheep producers. However, research with crosses between Katahdin and other meat breeds is limited. Objective: to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting growth and mortality rate of crossbred lambs from Katahdin ewes fecundated with breeds specialized for meat production. Methods: crossbred lambs (n = 152) from Katahdin ewes sired with Hampshire (KH; n = 43), Texel (KT; n = 53) or Charolais (KCH; n = 56) were evaluated under intensive management conditions. The effects of genotype and non-genetic factors on birth weight, weaning weight, pre-weaning daily weight gain, and mortality rate were determined. Results: breed differences were not detected for birth weight (4 ± 1.1, 4.3 ± 0.9 and 4 ± 1.1 Kg for KCH, KH, KT, respectively), nor for the 60-d weaning weight (20.2 ± 4.3, 20.9 ± 4.3, 18.2 ± 4.2 Kg for KCH, KH, KT, respectively). Weight of lambs did not differ significantly between sexes, but it decreased (p < 0.05) with increased litter size (weaning weight at 60 days for single, twins and triplets was 24.5 ± 2.6, 19.2 ± 3.5, and 14.3 ± 3.8 Kg, respectively). Pre-weaning mortality of KH lambs was 13.3% and it was significantly lower than that of the other genotypes (24.5 and 39.3% for KT and KCH, respectively). Conclusion: inclusion of Charolais, Hampshire or Texel rams in Katahdin flocks results in similar lamb weaning weight, but Hampshire-sired progeny excels regarding pre-weaning survival. Keywords : birthweight, Charolais, Hampshire, Texel, weaning weight . Resumen Antecedentes: la raza de ovejas Katahdin se ha difundido ampliamente en Mexico. Esta raza y sus cruces han ganado recientemente la atencion de los productores de ovinos; sin embargo, la investigacion con cruces entre Katahdin y otras razas productoras de carne es limitada. Objetivo: evaluar factores geneticos y no geneticos que afectan las tasas de crecimiento y mortalidad de corderos hijos de ovejas Katahdin fecundadas con razas de carne. Metodos : corderos hibridos (n = 152) derivados de ovejas Katahdin fecundadas con machos Hampshire (KH; n = 43), Texel (KT; n = 53) y Charolais (KCH; n = 56) se evaluaron bajo condiciones intensivas de manejo. Se determino el efecto del genotipo y factores no geneticos en el peso al nacer, peso al destete, ganancia de peso pre-destete, tasa de ganancia de peso pos-destete y mortalidad de los corderos. Resultados: no se detectaron diferencias entre grupos raciales para el peso al nacer (4 ± 1,1, 4,3 ± 0,9 y 4 ± 1,1 Kg para KCH, KH, KT, respectivamente) ni para el peso al destete realizado a los 60 dias (20,2 ± 4,3, 20,9 ± 4,3, 18,2 ± 4,2 Kg para KCH, KH, KT, respectivamente). Los pesos de los corderos no difirieron significativamente entre sexos, pero disminuyeron (p < 0,05) con el aumento del tamano de la camada (el peso al destete a los 60 dias para los corderos individuales, gemelos y trillizos fue 24,5 ± 2,6, 19,2 ± 3,5 y 14,3 ± 3,8 Kg, respectivamente). La tasa de mortalidad pre-destete de los corderos KH fue de 13,3% y fue significativamente mas baja que la de los otros genotipos (24,5 y 39,3% para KT y KCH, respectivamente). Conclusion: el uso de sementales Charolais, Hampshire o Texel en rebanos de ovejas Katahdin genera resultados similares para peso de los corderos a los 60 dias, pero la progenie de los moruecos Hampshire tiene mayor sobrevivencia hasta el destete. Palabras clave: Charolais, Hampshire, peso al destete, peso al nacimiento, Texel. Resumo Antecedentes: Katahdin e uma raca de ovelhas altamente disseminada no Mexico. Esta raca e seus cruzamentos tem recentemente ganhado atencao entre os produtores de ovinos. No entanto, a pesquisa com cordeiros hibridos entre Katahdin e outras racas de carne e ainda limitada. Objetivo: avaliar os fatores geneticos e nao-geneticos que afetam a taxa de crescimento e a taxa de mortalidade de cordeiros hibridos de ovelhas Katahdin fecundadas com racas de carne. Metodos: cordeiros cruzados (n = 152) derivados de ovelhas Katahdin fecundados com carneiro Hampshire (KH; n = 43), Texel (KT; n = 53) e Charolais (KCH; n = 56) foram usadas neste estudo sob condicoes intensivas. Foi determinado o efeito do genotipo e dos fatores naogeneticos sobre o peso ao nascimento, peso ao desmame, peso pre-desmame e percentagem de sobrevivencia. Resultados: nao foram detectadas diferencas raciais por peso ao nascimento (4 ± 1,1, 4,3 ± 0,9 e 4 ± 1,1 Kg para KCH, KH, KT, respectivamente), e peso ao desmame aos 60 dias (20,2 ± 4,3, 20,9 ± 4,3, 18,2 ± 4,2 Kg para KCH, KH, KT, respectivamente). Os pesos dos cordeiros nao diferiram significativamente entre os sexos, mas o peso diminuiu (p < 0,05) com o aumento do tamanho da leitegada (o peso ao desmame aos 60 dias de cordeiros individuais, gemeos e trigemeos foi de 24,5 ± 2,6, 19,2 ± 3,5 e 14,3 ± 3,8 Kg, respectivamente). A taxa de mortalidade pre-desmame dos cordeiros KH foi de 13.3% e este foi significativamente menor do que a taxa de mortalidade de cordeiros dos demais genotipos ( 24,5 e 39,3% para KT e KCH, respectivamente). Conclusao: o uso de carneiros Hampshire, Charoles ou carneiros Texel em ovelhas Katahdin pode ser implementado com resultados semelhantes para o peso do cordeiro ao desmame, mas a descendencia Hampshire destacou-se por sua maior sobrevivencia ate o desmame. Palavras chave: Charoles, Hampshire, peso ao desmame, peso ao nascer, Texel.

The detection of gluten in foodstuffs has become a growing concern in food allergen management as a result of the high ratio of population sensitive to the main gluten-containing cereals. In this study, a promising single-domain antibody previously isolated by phage display (dAb8E) was produced in Pichia pastoris resulting in high levels of the antibody fragment expression (330 mg/L). The purified dAb8E was proved to specifically bind to gluten proteins from wheat, barley and rye, exhibiting no cross reaction to other heterologous species. The dynamic range of the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) covered 0.1 to 10 &micro, g/mL of gliadin, reaching a limit of detection of 0.12 &micro, g/mL. When experimental binary mixtures of the target cereals were analyzed, the limit of detection was 0.13 mg/g, which would theoretically correspond to gluten concentrations of approximately 13 mg/kg. Finally, thirty commercially available food products were analyzed by means of the developed assay to further confirm the applicability of the dAb8E for gluten determination. The proposed methodology enabled the generation of a new gluten-specific nanobody which could be used to guarantee the appropriate labelling of gluten-free foods.

Exploration of interactions between hosts and parasitic symbionts is important for our understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of organisms. For example, host colonization of new geographical regions may alter levels of infections and parasite specificity, and even allow hosts to escape from co-evolved parasites, consequently shaping spatial distributions and community structure of both host and parasite. Here we investigate the effect of host colonization of new regions and the elevational distribution of host-parasite associations between birds and their vector-transmitted haemosporidian blood parasites in two geological and geographical settings: mountains of New Guinea and the Canary Islands. Our results demonstrate that bird communities in younger regions have significantly lower levels of parasitism compared to those of older regions. Furthermore, host-parasite network analyses demonstrate that blood parasites may respond differently after arriving to a new region, through adaptations that allow for either expanding (Canary Islands) or retaining (New Guinea) their host niches. The spatial prevalence patterns along elevational gradients differed in the two regions, suggesting that region-specific biotic (e.g., host community) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature) govern prevalence patterns. Our findings suggest that the spatiotemporal range dynamics in host-parasite systems are driven by multiple factors, but that host and parasite community compositions and colonization histories are of particular importance.

Osteoporosis represents an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. As a result of low estrogen levels, it is markedly prevalent during menopause, thus making such patients susceptible to fractures. Both bone formation and resorption are modulated by nitric oxide (NO). Currently, there are no risk-free pharmaceutical prevention therapies for osteoporosis. COMB-4, a nutraceutical combination of Paullinia cupana, Muira puama, ginger, and L-citrulline, known to activate the NO-cGMP pathway, was reported to accelerate fracture healing in the rat. To determine whether COMB-4 could be effective in preventing menopausal osteoporosis, it was compared to estradiol (E2) in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat osteoporosis model. Nine-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into SHAM, OVX, OVX+E2, and OVX+COMB-4. After 100 days of treatment, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by DXA scan. TRAP staining was performed in the femur and lumbar vertebrae. TRACP 5b and osteocalcin levels were assayed in the serum. MC3T3-E1 cells were differentiated into osteoblasts and treated with COMB-4 for one week in order to evaluate calcium deposition by Alizarin staining, cGMP production by ELISA, and upregulation of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes by RT-PCR. OVX resulted in a decrease in BMD, BMC, and serum osteocalcin and an increase in serum TRACP 5b. Except for an increase in BMC with COMB-4, both E2 and COMB-4 reverted all bone and serum markers, as well as the number of osteoclasts in the vertebrae, to SHAM levels. Incubation of MC3T3-E1 cells with COMB-4 demonstrated an increase in the three NOS isoforms, cGMP, and calcium deposition. COMB-4 increased BMD in OVX rats by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing calcium deposition presumably via activation of the NO-cGMP pathway. It remains to be determined whether COMB-4 could be a potential nutraceutical therapy for the prevention of premenopausal bone loss.

RESUMO Esse estudo analisou o estágio reprodutivo, a histologia e a morfometria dos testículos de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Litoral Sul de Pernambuco. Os espécimes foram capturados por redes de neblina e as coletas ocorreram mensalmente, ao longo de duas noites consecutivas, durante 18 meses. Os dados meteorológicos foram agrupados em meses chuvosos e secos. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes adultos, os quais foram classificados em machos com testículos descendentes e não descendentes. Para as análises histológicas, os testículos foram coletados, fixados e processados seguindo a técnica histológica de rotina. As lâminas obtidas foram coradas por Hematoxilina-Eosina. Nas análises morfométricas foram mensuradas a área de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, quantificados o número de células de Leydig, de Sertoli, de espermatócitos e de espermátides alongadas. Os dados morfométricos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas. Dermanura cinerea apresentou maior atividade de produção espermática em meses secos e maior produção hormonal em meses chuvosos. Essas informações estão relacionadas também com o padrão reprodutivo das fêmeas e com a elevação nos índices pluviométricos, já que é um fator determinante na mediação da disponibilidade alimentar das espécies frugívoras, como D. cinerea em área de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. ABSTRACT This study analyzed the reproductive stage, histology and morphometry of the testes of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in Atlantic Forest fragment on the South Coast of Pernambuco. Specimens were captured by mist net, and collections occurred monthly over two consecutive nights for 18 months. The meteorological data were grouped in rainy and dry months. Eighteen adult specimens were used, which were classified in males with descendant testes and with testes no descendant. For the histological analysis, the testes were collected, fixed and processed following the routine histological technique. The slides obtained were stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin. In the morphometric analysis the area of occupation of the tubular and intertubular compartment were measured, the number of Leydig, Sertoli, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids were quantified. The morphometric data were submitted to statistical analysis. Dermanura cinerea presented higher sperm production activity in dry months and higher hormone production in rainy months. This information is also related to the reproductive pattern of the females and to the increase in rainfall indexes, since it is a determinant factor in the mediation of the food availability of the frugivorous species, such as D. cinerea in the Atlantic Forest area of Pernambuco.

The objective of this work was to obtain prevalence estimates of cloudy vaginal mucus in artificially inseminated Holstein cows raised under intense heat, in order to assess the effect of meteorological conditions on its occurrence during estrus and to determine its effect on conception rate. In a first study, an association was established between the occurrence of cloudy vaginal mucus during estrus and the conception rate of inseminated cows (18,620 services), raised under intense heat (mean annual temperature of 22°C), at highly technified farms, in the arid region of northern Mexico. In a second study, data from these large dairy operations were used to assess the effect of meteorological conditions throughout the year on the occurrence of cloudy vaginal mucus during artificial insemination (76,899 estruses). The overall rate of estruses with cloudy vaginal mucus was 21.4% (16,470/76,899; 95% confidence interval = 21.1-21.7%). The conception rate of cows with clean vaginal mucus was higher than that of cows with abnormal mucus (30.6 vs. 22%). Prevalence of estruses with cloudy vaginal mucus was strongly dependent on high ambient temperature and markedly higher in May and June. Acceptable conception rates in high milk-yielding Holstein cows can only be obtained with cows showing clear and translucid mucus at artificial insemination. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter estimativas de prevalência de muco vaginal turvo durante o estro em vacas Holandesas criadas sob intenso calor, para avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas sobre sua ocorrência durante o estro e determinar seu efeito sobre a taxa de concepção. Em um primeiro estudo, foi estabelecida a associação entre a ocorrência de muco vaginal turvo durante o estro e a taxa de concepção de vacas inseminadas (18.620 serviços), criadas sob intenso calor (temperatura média anual de 22°C), em fazendas altamente tecnificadas, na região árida do norte do México. Em um segundo estudo, os dados desses grandes estábulos leiteiros foram utilizados para avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas, ao longo do ano, na ocorrência de muco vaginal turvo durante a inseminação artificial (76.899 cios). A taxa global de cios com muco vaginal turvo foi de 21,4% (16.470/76.899; intervalo de confiança de 95% = 21,1-21,7%). A taxa de concepção das vacas com muco vaginal límpido foi maior que a de vacas com muco anormal (30,6 vs. 22%). A prevalência de estros com muco vaginal turvo foi fortemente dependente de elevada temperatura ambiente, e significativamente maior em maio e junho. Taxas de concepção aceitáveis de vacas Holandesas com elevada produção de leite somente são obtidas em vacas que apresentem muco translúcido durante a inseminação artificial.

The objective of this study was to determine if high milk-yielding Holstein cows testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) are affected in their reproductive performance and milk yield. For this purpose, 1044 healthy cows and 105 bTB reactor cows were used. Tuberculosis reactor cows were from four large commercial dairy operations from the same region which were transferred from their barns to an isolated dairy facility. Cows free from this disease were placed in the same barn as the bTB reactor cows but in an isolated division and served as control animals. The analysis of variance with a general linear model for binary data showed that the reproductive performance of bTB reactors was impaired; overall pregnancy per artificial insemination differed (P 0.05) between bTB reactor and non-reactor cows (16.9 vs. 20.7%). Cows that were TB reactors required 4.7 ± 2.9 services per pregnancy compared with 4.3 ± 2.8 for control cows (P 0.05). The intervals between calving and conception were similar between bTB reactors (154 ± 78 days) and control animals (150 ± 80 days). Control cows tended (P = 0.08) to produce more milk than bTB reactors over a 305-day lactation (10,684 ± 1720 vs. 10,345 ± 1736; mean ± SD). Serum metabolites indicative of nutritional stress did not differ between bTB reactor and non-reactor cows. It was concluded that both reproductive performance and milk yield decreased marginally in bTB reactor cows, which explains the reluctance of milk producers to get rid of these animals.

To identify the bacterial diversity (microbiota) in expectorated sputum, a pyrosequencing method that investigates complex microbial communities of expectorated sputum was done in 19 stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (mean (SD) FEV1: 47 (18%) of predicted value). Using conventional culture, 3 phyla and 20 bacterial genera were identified, whereas the pyrosequencing approach detected 9 phyla and 43 genera (p < 0.001). In sputum the prevalent genera with pyrosequencing approach were Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Rothia, Fusobacterium, Gemella, Granulicatella, Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Veillonella. Enterobacteriaceae, detected frequently in conventional culture, were not significantly detected with pyrosequencing methods. In addition, we found that important pathogens such as Haemophilus and Moraxella were detected more frequently with the new genetic procedures. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae is probably overestimated with conventional culture, whereas other difficult cultivable pathogens are underestimated. These studies open a new perspective for evaluating the role of bacterial colonization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and progression.

To control illegal wildlife-product trade and protect endangered species of animals, unambiguous identification of the captured specimens is essential. Forensic genetic tools have contributed to identify animal species for conservation purposes promoting accurate results for informing public policies and management of the biodiversity. The southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides) is the largest non-human primate of the Neotropical region and is critically endangered (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species), mainly due to the illegal hunting for bushmeat. In this study, we describe a molecular method using PCR/RFLP to differentiate between bushmeat of southern muriqui and the meat of the domestic animals most commonly consumed in Brazil (Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, and Sus scrofa). The method is based on the amplification and digestion with BanI restriction enzyme of the 16S mtDNA region. We also examine 16S mtDNA sequences of the southern muriqui and other 13 sympatric and parapatric wild species of mammals also hunted for bushmeat to examine whether homologies of the BanI restriction sites could lead to species misidentification. The results indicate the utility of this tool as it represents a simple and cost-effective method to differentiate southern muriqui samples from those of the examined domestic and wild sympatric and parapatric species. We hope this molecular tool will help public authorities in crime prevention, and enhance law reinforcement of illegal hunting of threatened animal species. Para controlar o comércio ilegal de vida selvagem e proteger espécies animais ameaçadas, é essencial a identificação inequívoca dos espécimes capturados. Ferramentas de genética forense têm contribuído na identificação de animais para fins conservacionistas, fornecendo resultados precisos utilizados em políticas de gestão da biodiversidade. O muriqui-do-sul (Brachyteles arachnoides) é o maior primata não humano da região neotropical e está criticamente em perigo (Lista Vermelha da IUCN) devido, principalmente, à caça ilegal para consumo de sua carne. Nesse estudo, descrevemos um método molecular baseado em PCR/RFLP para diferenciar a carne do muriqui-do-sul da carne dos animais domésticos mais consumidos no Brasil (Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, and Sus scrofa). Este método é baseado na amplificação e digestão da região 16S mtDNA com a enzima de restrição BanI. Além disso, sequências da região do 16S mtDNA do muriqui-do-sul e de 13 espécies de mamíferos simpátricos e parapátricos também caçados por sua carne foram examinadas para avaliar a presença de sítios de restrição homólogos que pudessem comprometer a identificação do muriqui-do-sul. Os resultados indicam a utilidade desta ferramenta por representar um método simples e de baixo custo que permite diferenciar amostras de muriqui-do-sul das amostras das espécies domésticas e selvagens que foram examinadas. Esperamos que esta ferramenta molecular ajude as autoridades na prevenção de crimes contra a biodiversidade e cumprimento da legislação contra a caça ilegal de animais ameaçados.

This study aimed to analyze the reproductive stage, histology and morphometry of the ovary of Dermanura cinerea in an Atlantic Forest fragments in the Biological Reserve of Saltinho, Pernambuco, Brazil. Adult females were captured monthly by mist net, during two consecutive nights from June/2014 to November/2015. The meteorological data were provided by the National Institute of Meteorology and grouped together with the reproductive data, in six periods: period I (June to August/2014), period II (September to November/2014), period III (December/2014 to February/2015), period IV (March to May/2015), period V (June to August/2015) and period VI (September to November/2015). The females were classified according to their reproductive stages in: Inactive, pregnant, lactating and postlactating. Among the 25 females caught, 10 inactive females were selected for the histomorphometric analysis of the ovaries and then they were euthanized. After that, the specimens had their ovaries removed, fixed, processed and included in Paraplast. The organs were cut and stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and the histological slides produced were submitted to the appropriate optical microscope analysis. Each type of ovarian follicle was estimated according to the histological characteristics evidenced for other mammals. In the morphometric analysis, it was considered: The area of the ovary (measured in square millimeter), Quantification of different types of ovarian follicles (unilaminar and multilaminar primary follicles, antral and matures) and corpus luteum, as well as the area of each by those different follicles (measured in square micrometer) The results indicated that 16 females were inactive, 5 were lactating, 4 were pregnant and no post-lactating. The histological analysis revealed that the ovaries of D. cinerea exhibit characteristics, structures and cellular types similar to other mammals. The morphometric data of the study area were statistically evaluated using the Student’s t-test. Therefore, ovarian histomorphometric analysis are very important to infer with greater certainty about the reproduction of a species. Thus, it was observed that females of D. cinerea exhibit two reproductive peaks, that is, they can give birth either at the end of dry periods or from the beginning to the middle of the rainy season. The main feature observed in the ovary of this species, found in the Atlantic Forest area of the state of Pernambuco, is the preparation of the ovarian cortex to ovulate in months of high rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, this species tries to adjust its reproductive period with the variations of the environmental conditions, so that the reproduction might occur during the period more favorable for the maintenance of their offspring.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:41:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 Projeto de Conservacao e Utilizacao Sustentavel da Diversidade Biologica Brasileira Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Inovacion Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Basicas Comision Sectorial de Investigacion Cientifica (Uruguay) The small red brocket deer Mazama bororo is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a biome that has been greatly fragmented and altered by human activities. This elusive species is morphologically similar to the red brocket deer Mazama americana and the Brazilian dwarf brocket deer Mazama nana, and genetic typing is necessary for reliable identification. To determine the geographical range of M. bororo more accurately, we conducted non-invasive genetic sampling using scat detection dogs trained to locate deer faeces. We surveyed 46 protected areas located within the species' potential distribution and collected a total of 555 scat samples in 30 of the protected areas. Using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism approach, we genotyped 497 scat samples (89%) and detected M. bororo in seven localities in three Brazilian states. The results support a range extension of the small red brocket deer to latitudes 23 and 28 degrees S and longitudes 47 and 49 degrees W. We show that the species' distribution is associated with 37,517 km(2) of the Ombrophilous Dense Forest in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and this conclusion is supported by species distribution modelling. The small red brocket deer is the largest endemic species in Brazil and may have the smallest geographical distribution of any Neotropical deer species. This species occupies fragmented landscapes and is threatened by human encroachment, poaching, and predation by dogs, and based on our findings we recommend policy intervention for conservation planning of the Ombrophilous Dense Forest. Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zootecnia, Nucl Pesquisa Conservacao Cervideos, Via Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Integracao Latino Amer, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil Univ Fed Pernambuco, Ctr Acad Vitoria, Vitoria Santo Antao, Vitoria Santo Antao, PE, Brazil Natl Zool Pk, Smithsonian Conservat Biol Inst, Ctr Conservat Genom, Washington, DC USA Minist Educ & Cultura, Inst Invest Biol Clemente Estable, Dept Biodiversidad & Genet, Genet Conservac, Montevideo, Uruguay Smithsonian Inst, Natl Museum Nat Hist, Dept Vertebrate Zool, Washington, DC 20560 USA Univ Republ Oriental Uruguay, Fac Ciencias, Secc Genet Evolut, Montevideo, Uruguay Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zootecnia, Nucl Pesquisa Conservacao Cervideos, Via Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

A common challenge in phylogenetic reconstruction is to find enough suitable genomic markers to reliably trace splitting events with short internodes. Here, we present phylogenetic analyses based on genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of an enigmatic avian radiation, the subspecies complex of Afrocanarian blue tits (Cyanistes teneriffae). The two sister species, the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and the azure tit (Cyanistes cyanus), constituted the out-group. We generated a large data set of SNPs for analysis of population structure and phylogeny. We also adapted our protocol to utilize degraded DNA from old museum skins from Libya. We found strong population structuring that largely confirmed subspecies monophyly and constructed a coalescent-based phylogeny with full support at all major nodes. The results are consistent with a recent hypothesis that La Palma and Libya are relic populations of an ancient Afrocanarian blue tit, although a small data set for Libya could not resolve its position relative to La Palma. The birds on the eastern islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are similar to those in Morocco. Together they constitute the sister group to the clade containing the other Canary Islands (except La Palma), in which El Hierro is sister to the three central islands. Hence, extant Canary Islands populations seem to originate from multiple independent colonization events. We also found population divergences in a key reproductive trait, viz. sperm length, which may constitute reproductive barriers between certain populations. We recommend a taxonomic revision of this polytypic species, where several subspecies should qualify for species rank.

The Maillard reaction has been used as a natural alternative to improve protein functionality by covalent coupling with saccharides. However, if reaction conditions are not properly selected, glycation can lead to a loss in functional properties. The objective of our research was to study the effect of temperature, time, water activity and reactants molar ratio on the degree of glycation and color development in whey protein isolate conjugated with maltodextrins. Three different levels of glycation (low, medium and high) were selected to investigate functional properties. The extent of glycation was assessed by quantifying the loss of amino groups using the o-phthaldialdehyde technique. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to evaluate the molecular weight of the glycoproteins. Color changes were determined using a Minolta colorimeter and calculating the browning index. Functional properties evaluated were solubility, rheological behavior, foam overrun and foam stability. Temperature and water activity were the most influential factors determining the degree of glycation and color change. The correlation coefficient between blocked amino groups and color was of 0.743. Whey protein isolate exhibited lower solubility at pH 5 and conjugates at pH 4. Consistency index and foaming properties improved according to the level of glycation achieved.

© 2014 The Authors. Nests are structures built to support and protect eggs and/or offspring from predators, parasites, and adverse weather conditions. Nests are mainly constructed prior to egg laying, meaning that parent birds must make decisions about nest site choice and nest building behavior before the start of egg-laying. Parent birds should be selected to choose nest sites and to build optimally sized nests, yet our current understanding of clutch size-nest size relationships is limited to small-scale studies performed over short time periods. Here, we quantified the relationship between clutch size and nest size, using an exhaustive database of 116 slope estimates based on 17,472 nests of 21 species of hole and non-hole-nesting birds. There was a significant, positive relationship between clutch size and the base area of the nest box or the nest, and this relationship did not differ significantly between open nesting and hole-nesting species. The slope of the relationship showed significant intraspecific and interspecific heterogeneity among four species of secondary hole-nesting species, but also among all 116 slope estimates. The estimated relationship between clutch size and nest box base area in study sites with more than a single size of nest box was not significantly different from the relationship using studies with only a single size of nest box. The slope of the relationship between clutch size and nest base area in different species of birds was significantly negatively related to minimum base area, and less so to maximum base area in a given study. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bird species have a general reaction norm reflecting the relationship between nest size and clutch size. Further, they suggest that scientists may influence the clutch size decisions of hole-nesting birds through the provisioning of nest boxes of varying sizes.

The Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea) is endemic to the Canary Islands and restricted to the pine forests on Tenerife (ssp. teydea) and Gran Canaria (ssp. polatzeki). While the teydea population is large and stable, the polatzeki population underwent a dramatic decline in the twentieth century and currently numbers less than 200 individuals. Here, we show that microsatellite allelic diversity is lower in polatzeki than in teydea, consistent with a genetic bottleneck scenario. Our genotyped polatzeki individuals, which were wild-caught but currently used in a captive breeding programme, have the same allelic diversity as free-ranging birds. However, the captive polatzeki males seem to have reduced sperm motility as compared with captive teydea males, which could be an effect of reduced genetic diversity. Because polatzeki and teydea are phylogenetically distinct, they should be recognized as Evolutionarily Significant Units by conservation authorities. We also recommend maintaining the captive polatzeki population as a pre-emptive measure against extinction in the wild.

// Ana Fernandez-Carrascal 1, * , Manuel Garcia-Algar 1, * , Moritz Nazarenus 1 , Alicia Torres-Nunez 1 , Luca Guerrini 1 , Neus Feliu 2, 3 , Wolfgang J. Parak 3 , Eduardo Garcia-Rico 4 and Ramon A. Alvarez-Puebla 1, 5 1 Department of Physical Chemistry and EMaS, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain 2 Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden 3 Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Fachbereich Physik, Marburg, Germany 4 Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario HM Torrelodones, Torrelodones, Madrid, Spain 5 ICREA, Barcelona, Spain * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Eduardo Garcia-Rico, email: egarcia@hmhospitales.com Ramon A. Alvarez-Puebla, email: ramon.alvarez@urv.cat Keywords: circulating tumor cells, breast cancer, optical sensing, glucose uptake, hyperoxia Received: January 31, 2017 Accepted: June 05, 2017 Published: June 16, 2017 ABSTRACT Quantification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples from cancer patients is a non-invasive approach to monitoring the status of the disease. Most of the methods proposed in the recent years are phenomenological and rely on the use of antibodies labelled with fluorophores, magnetic particles, or immobilized on surfaces to capture the CTCs. Herein, we designed and optimized a method that employs a glucose analogue labelled with a fluorophore which takes advantage of the different metabolic pathways of cancer cells to discern them from normal ones. Notably, we demonstrate that fluorescence signal in tumor cells can be greatly maximized by applying hyperoxia conditions without damaging the cells. These results are demonstrated by means of confocal fluorescence and flow-cytometry measurements in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) extracted after Ficoll of human blood samples and spiked with a known concentration of MCF-7 tumor cells.

Marie Vaugoyeau [et al.], The increase in size of human populations in urban and agricultural areas has resulted in considerable habitat conversion globally. Such anthropogenic areas have specific environmental characteristics, which influence the physiology, life history, and population dynamics of plants and animals. For example, the date of bud burst is advanced in urban compared to nearby natural areas. In some birds, breeding success is determined by synchrony between timing of breeding and peak food abundance. Pertinently, caterpillars are an important food source for the nestlings of many bird species, and their abundance is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and date of bud burst. Higher temperatures and advanced date of bud burst in urban areas could advance peak caterpillar abundance and thus affect breeding phenology of birds. In order to test whether laying date advance and clutch sizes decrease with the intensity of urbanization, we analyzed the timing of breeding and clutch size in relation to intensity of urbanization as a measure of human impact in 199 nest box plots across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East (i.e., the Western Palearctic) for four species of hole-nesters: blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), great tits (Parus major), collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis), and pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). Meanwhile, we estimated the intensity of urbanization as the density of buildings surrounding study plots measured on orthophotographs. For the four study species, the intensity of urbanization was not correlated with laying date. Clutch size in blue and great tits does not seem affected by the intensity of urbanization, while in collared and pied flycatchers it decreased with increasing intensity of urbanization. This is the first large-scale study showing a species-specific major correlation between intensity of urbanization and the ecology of breeding. The underlying mechanisms for the relationships between life history and urbanization remain to be determined. We propose that effects of food abundance or quality, temperature, noise, pollution, or disturbance by humans may on their own or in combination affect laying date and/or clutch size., E. Barba acknowledges funding of project CGL2013-48001-C2-1-P (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation).

Knowledge of the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk can bring about an understanding of infectious diseases that can affect this bird, as well as other animals and/or humans, while also adding information of great ecological importance. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the enterobacteria present in the cloaca of captive roadside hawks and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Initially, cloacal samples from nine specimens were collected with the aid of swabs. Samples were placed in petri dishes with MacConkey agar, Hektoen agar, EMB agar and Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar and incubated for 24 h at 35°C. After incubation, the microorganisms were submitted to biochemical testing to confirm the presence of enterobacteria. Thereafter, the susceptibility profile of bacteria to antimicrobial agents was evaluated by a disk diffusion test according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.1%) and Salmonella spp. (55.6%) were isolated from the collected samples. Among the isolates, some bacteria showed resistance to up to three antimicrobial agents. This study has brought greater insight about the enterobacteria present in the roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), exhibiting a significant percentage of enterobacteria important to public health; also, it showed the occurrence of strains with resistance profile to antimicrobial agents. O conhecimento das enterobactérias presentes em Gavião-carijó pode trazer uma compreensão sobre as doenças infecciosas que podem acometer essa ave, como também outros animais e/ou humanos, além de trazer mais informações sobre essa espécie de grande importância ecológica. Desta forma, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar as enterobactérias presentes na cloaca de Gaviões-carijós cativos e seu perfil de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos. Inicialmente, foram coletadas amostras cloacais de nove espécimes com o auxílio de swabs. As amostras foram plaqueadas em ágar MacConkey, ágar Hektoen, ágar EMB e ágar SS e incubadas por 24 h a 35°C. Após incubação, as colônias foram submetidas às provas bioquímicas para confirmação da presença de enterobactérias. Posteriormente, o perfil de susceptibilidade das bactérias frente a agentes antimicrobianos foi avaliado através do teste da difusão em disco de acordo com o Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Escherichia coli (77,8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11,1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11,1%) e Salmonella spp. (55,6%) foram isoladas das amostras coletadas. Dentre as cepas isoladas, algumas apresentaram resistência a até três antimicrobianos. O presente estudo trouxe um maior conhecimento sobre as enterobactérias presentes no Gavião-carijó (Rupornis magnirostris), mostrando um percentual significativo de enterobactérias de importância na saúde pública, evidenciando também a ocorrência de cepas com perfil de resistência a agentes antimicrobianos.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in Western countries; it can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. The importance of gut-liver-adipose tissue axis has become evident and treatments targeting gut microbiota may improve inflammatory and metabolic parameters in NASH patients. In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, involving 50 biopsy-proven NASH patients, we investigated the effects of synbiotic supplementation on metabolic parameters, hepatic steatosis, intestinal permeability, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serum levels. Patients were separated into two groups receiving Lactobacillus reuteri with guar gum and inulin for three months and healthy balanced nutritional counseling versus nutritional counseling alone. Before and after the intervention we assessed steatosis by magnetic resonance imaging, intestinal permeability by lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion and SIBO by glucose breath testing. NASH patients presented high gut permeability, but low prevalence of SIBO. After the intervention, only the synbiotic group presented a reduction in steatosis, lost weight, diminished BMI and waist circumference measurement. Synbiotic did not improve intestinal permeability or LPS levels. We concluded that synbiotic supplementation associated with nutritional counseling seems superior to nutritional counseling alone for NASH treatment as it attenuates steatosis and may help to achieve weight loss.

Alginate is a hydrogel commonly used for cell culture by ionically crosslinking in the presence of divalent Ca2+ ions. However these alginate gels are mechanically unstable, not permitting their use as scaffolds to engineer robust biological bone, breast, cardiac or tumor tissues. This issue can be addressed via encapsulation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) serving as a reinforcing phase while being dispersed in a continuous phase of alginate. We hypothesized that adding functionalized MWCNT to alginate, would yield composite gels with distinctively different mechanical, physical and biological characteristics in comparison to alginate alone. Resultant MWCNT-alginate gels were porous, and showed significantly less degradation after 14 days compared to alginate alone. In vitro cell-studies showed enhanced HeLa cell adhesion and proliferation on the MWCNT-alginate compared to alginate. The extent of cell proliferation was greater when cultured atop 1 and 3 mg/ml MWCNT-alginate; although all MWCNT-alginates lead to enhanced cell cluster formation compared to alginate alone. Among all the MWCNT-alginates, the 1 mg/ml gels showed significantly greater stiffness compared to all other cases. These results provide an important basis for the development of the MWCNT-alginates as novel substrates for cell culture applications, cell therapy and tissue engineering.