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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Enterococcus faecium 669 supplementation on performance, health, parasitological, microbiological, and hematological responses of preweaning dairy calves. Forty-two newborn Holstein female calves (initial body weight [BW] 44 ± 4.5 kg) were used in the present study. At birth, calves were ranked by initial BW and assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: (1) whole milk (CON; n = 21) and (2) whole milk with the addition of direct-fed microbial Ent. faecium 669 (DFM; n = 21). During the entire experimental period (63 d), DFM was daily-fed at a rate of 2.5 × 109 cfu/head. All calves were offered a mixture of a starter feed and wheat straw for ad libitum consumption. Supplement intake was evaluated daily, whereas calves were weighed on a weekly basis from d 0 to weaning (d 63). Diarrhea was assessed once a day, and fecal and blood samples were collected for microbiological, parasitological, and hematological responses. All data were analyzed with SAS using calf as the experimental unit. A treatment × week interaction was observed for BW, as DFM-supplemented calves were heavier than CON cohorts on d 56 (+ 4.7 kg) and at weaning on d 63 (+ 4.8 kg). A similar interaction was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI), with greater ADG for DFM-supplemented calves from d 35 to 42, greater ADG and DMI from d 49 to 56, and greater DMI from d 56 to weaning. Moreover, diarrhea occurrence tended to be lower, whereas rectal temperature was 0.2°C lower for DFM-supplemented calves. Treatment × day interactions were observed for the occurrence and counts of Eimeria spp., as DFM-supplemented calves tended to have a reduced number of positive observations on d 42 of the study versus CON, and a significant reduction in positive animals from d 21 to 42 was observed in the DFM group but not in CON calves. For Cryptosporidium spp., no treatment effects were observed on overall occurrence (%), but DFM-supplemented calves had a greater count of oocyst per gram versus CON. No treatment × day interaction or main treatment effects were observed for any of the blood variables analyzed herein, exception being monocytes concentration. In summary, preweaning Ent. faecium 669 supplementation improved performance, diarrhea occurrence, and reduced the number of calves positively-detected for Eimeria spp.

Herein we present the biocatalysed preparation of a mono-N-carbamate-protected precursor of antitumoral Nutlin-3a through enantioselective alkoxycarbonylation of meso-1,2-disubstituted-1,2-diaminoethane using enzyme lipases and dialkyl carbonates as acylating agents. A series of supported or free lipase enzymes were screened in combination with commercially available diallyl, diethyl and dimethyl carbonates. The reactions were conducted at different temperatures, for different reaction times and with variable co-solvent systems to evaluate the effects on the enzyme catalytic activity. The best results in terms of conversion, enantiomeric excess and yield were obtained when lipase from Candida antarctica B (CAL-B) was used with diallyl carbonate (DAC) when conducting the reaction solventless at 75 °C.

In the early years of school, pupils have a very positive approach towards any new topic. Very often, the first contact with mathematics in the Italian school risks giving a limited and somehow negative impression, generating long-lasting effects. In this paper, we report on a series of experiences carried out in a second-year class of a primary school that allowed us to introduce new concepts and approaches through games and puzzles. The aim was to stimulate the creativity and empower pupils. We have used simple materials and applied the "Puzzle-Based Learning" method. Despite the limited time devoted to this experience, the outcomes have been extremely positive.

This Special Issue, which focused on methyl-containing pharmaceuticals, collected different papers and reviews on this topic [...]

Background and Purpose: Fentanyl analogues have been implicated in many cases of intoxication and death with overdose worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the pharmaco‐toxicology of two fentanyl analogues: butyrylfentanyl (BUF) and 4‐fluorobutyrylfentanyl (4F‐BUF). Experimental Approach: In vitro, we measured agonist opioid receptor efficacy, potency, and selectivity and ability to promote interaction of the μ receptor with G protein and β‐arrestin 2. In vivo, we evaluated thermal antinociception, stimulated motor activity and cardiorespiratory changes in female and male CD‐1 mice injected with BUF or 4F‐BUF (0.1–6 mg·kg−1). Opioid receptor specificity was investigated using naloxone (6 mg·kg−1). We investigated the possible role of stress in increasing cardiorespiratory toxicity using the corticotropin‐releasing factor 1 (CRF1) antagonist antalarmin (10 mg·kg−1). Key Results: Agonists displayed the following rank of potency at μ receptors: fentanyl > 4F‐BUF > BUF. Fentanyl and BUF behaved as partial agonists for the β‐arrestin 2 pathway, whereas 4F‐BUF did not promote β‐arrestin 2 recruitment. In vivo, we revealed sex differences in motor and cardiorespiratory impairments but not antinociception induced by BUF and 4F‐BUF. Antalarmin alone was effective in blocking respiratory impairment induced by BUF in both sexes but not 4F‐BUF. The combination of naloxone and antalarmin significantly enhanced naloxone reversal of the cardiorespiratory impairments induced by BUF and 4F‐BUF in mice. Conclusion and Implications: In this study, we have uncovered a novel mechanism by which synthetic opioids induce respiratory depression, shedding new light on the role of CRF1 receptors in cardiorespiratory impairments by μ agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Nowadays, more people are treating dogs as family members. This reflects their increased attention towards their nutrition, with renewed interest for non-conventional diets such as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food/ Bones and Raw Food in United States (BARF) or homemade. In previous studies, owners feeding their dog non-conventional diets reported lower levels of trust in veterinary advice. The aim of the study was to identify differences in lifestyle between owners feeding dogs non-conventional diets and those feeding conventional diets (i.e., dry/wet pet food) to give further insight for improving communication between veterinarians and owners. Results A total of 426 surveys were usable. Fifteen percent of the participants lived in the metropole of Paris and had more than one dog (mean 1.72 dogs). Thirty-eight percent of the survey respondents stated that their dogs were fed exclusively with non-conventional diets, while 55% declared using conventional diets alone (not considering treats). The study canine population was for the most part neutered (63%) and purebred (68%). Amongst owners feeding conventional diets exclusively, 47% determined how much food to feed by consulting the feeding guidelines on the packaging, and only 28% said that the amount of food was prescribed by their veterinarian or veterinary nurse. Out of the participants feeding non-conventional diets, 65% declared that the information for formulating the recipes was gathered on the internet or in non-veterinary books. When compared with owners feeding exclusively conventional diets, those feeding non-conventional diets were living more frequently outside the metropole of Paris, had fewer children (0.23 ± 0.57 vs 0.37 ± 0.78; p = 0.03) and had more frequently other animals. They also dewormed less often their pets, walked their dog more each day (91 vs 78%; p

Objetivo: relatar as experiências obtidas com a Capacitação Virtual em História da Enfermagem no período de distanciamento social da pandemia da COVID-19. Método: relato de experiência da construção e execução de uma Capacitação por meio de mídia virtual, desenvolvida no ano de 2020, em uma parceria entre ações extensionistas dos museus das Escolas de Enfermagem de Universidades Públicas Federais/Brasil, com apoio da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem. As experiências foram discutidas nos campos da História da Enfermagem e da Educação. Resultados: com um total de 132 inscritos, a Capacitação foi realizada por meio de quatro transmissões ao vivo através do Instagram. A utilização de lives de acesso livre ao público possibilitou alcançar em média 358 pessoas. Os formulários elaborados e distribuídos aos inscritos subsidiaram a estruturação dos conteúdos abordados durante os encontros, a criação de metodologias ativas disponibilizadas aos participantes para apoiar o ensino de História da Enfermagem e também a avaliação final da Capacitação. Conclusão: a Capacitação permitiu contornar as dificuldades impostas pelo distanciamento social e contribuiu para dar protagonismo aos envolvidos, constituindo uma rede de apoio ao ensino de História da Enfermagem.

The enormous influence in terms of bioactivity, affinity, and selectivity represented by the replacement of (L)-2,6-dimethyl tyrosine (Dmt) instead of Phenylalanine (Phe) into Nociceptin/orphanin (N/OFQ) neuropeptide analogues has been well documented in the literature. More recently, the non-natural amino acid (L)-2-methyl tyrosine (Mmt), with steric hindrance included between Tyr and Dmt, has been studied because of the modulation of steric effects in opioid peptide chains. Here, we report a new synthetic strategy to obtain Mmt based on the well-known Pd-catalyzed ortho-C(sp2)–H activation approach, because there is a paucity of other synthetic routes in the literature to achieve it. The aim of this work was to force only the mono-ortho-methylation process over the double ortho-methylation one. In this regard, we are pleased to report that the introduction of the dibenzylamine moiety on a Tyr aromatic nucleus is a convenient and traceless solution to achieve such a goal. Interestingly, our method provided the aimed Mmt either as N-Boc or N-Fmoc derivatives ready to be inserted into peptide chains through solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Importantly, the introduction of Mmt in place of Phe1 in the sequence of N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 was very well tolerated in terms of pharmacological profile and bioactivity.

Managing pet obesity relies heavily on the active involvement of owners; however, a key challenge arises from misperceptions about their own pet’s body condition. Given evolving societal dynamics like the body positivity movement, understanding owners’ perceptions is increasingly pivotal. To evaluate the differences in owners’ perception, this study compared the use of verbal and visual body condition score scales versus the established nine-point body condition score system. The factors linked to underestimation were further specifically investigated. Owners of healthy adult dogs and cats attending vaccination consultations in Veterinary Hospitals in France between 2020 and 2022 were recruited. They were required to assess their pets’ body condition initially using an oral description and then with the nine-point BCS visual scale. Their assessments were then compared with the BCS determined by veterinary health care personnel, considered the primary investigator. A total of 304 dogs and 270 cats were included in the study. It was observed that 27% of dog owners and 24% of cat owners underestimated their pets’ body condition. Among dog and cat owners, factors associated with the underestimation of body condition were the pets’ overweight status and having children. This discovery emphasizes the need for a holistic One Health approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of both humans and their pets. When it comes to pet owners evaluating their pets’ body condition, underestimation proved to be the predominant misperception. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive education to empower owners to recognize and comprehend their pets’ overweight status, a critical step for the overall well-being of companion animals.

Abstract Background Bromide is a halide ion of the element bromine usually administered in the form of potassium salt as monotherapy or add-on treatment in epileptic dogs. It is excreted unchanged in the urine and undergoes tubular reabsorption in competition with chloride. Thus, dietary chloride content affects serum bromide concentrations. This is the first published clinical report of bromide toxicosis secondary to a dietary modification of chloride content in an epileptic dog treated with potassium bromide. Case presentation A 3-year-old 55-kg neutered male Tibetan Mastiff was evaluated because of a 1-month history of progressive signs including ataxia, lethargy and behaviour changes. The dog was successfully treated for idiopathic epilepsy since the age of 1-year-old with phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Two months prior to presentation, the owners decided to change the dog’s diet without veterinary advice. Physical examination was unremarkable. A 12-kg weight gain was recorded since last follow-up (8 months). Neurological examination revealed severe symmetric 4-limbs ataxia with altered vigilance and intermittent episodes of hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour without significant abnormality of cranial nerves. Serum bromide concentration was high and increased by 103 % since last follow-up. Nutritional evaluation revealed a 53 % decrease of chloride content in the diet before and after dietary transition. Bromide toxicosis was suspected, due to bromide reduced clearance secondary to the decreased dietary chloride content. Potassium bromide treatment was lowered by 15 % without further dietary changes. Neurologic signs progressively improved over the next month, without any seizure. After two months, the serum bromide concentration lowered to the same level measured before dietary modification. After four months, neurological examination was unremarkable. Conclusions Dietary chloride content can directly influence serum bromide concentrations, therefore affecting seizure control or contributing to unexpected adverse effects. In the present case, a reduction in chloride intake markedly increased serum bromide concentrations causing bromism. Dietary changes should be avoided in dogs treated with potassium bromide to maintain stable serum bromide levels.

Sabe-se que ao longo do tempo, as escritoras mulheres foram sistematicamente excluídas do cânone literário. Entretanto, foi por meio da escrita que muitas mulheres se posicionaram criticamente conduzindo outras à reflexão. Na contemporaneidade, a escrita feminina prossegue buscando a igualdade e o reconhecimento em diversas áreas de conhecimento. Esta análise teve como objetivo averiguar qual o espaço da mulher na enunciação poética Luciênica. Assim, a proposta deste trabalho se pautou, inicialmente em tecer algumas considerações sobre os empecilhos na produção literária de feminina e, posteriormente analisar dois poemas da escritora contemporânea Luciene Carvalho. A leitura de Aquelarre ou Livro de Madalena (2007), dentre inúmeros poemas de inegável expressão poética selecionou-se uma amostra representativa para estudo e análise. Buscou-se aplicar os conceitos de Todorov (2009), Antônio Candido (2006), Leyla Perrone (2006) e Simone Beauvoir (1949). Deste modo, procurou-se entender qual o papel desempenhado pelos arquétipos da figura feminina na obra selecionada de autoria de Luciene Carvalho e, simultaneamente, analisou-se como o eu-poético se manifesta, através de seus versos, em relação a mulher no contexto sociocultural brasileiro na literatura de autoria da mulher produzida em Mato Grosso.

A temática do envelhecimento ganhou relevância no contexto atual em que, mundialmente, tem-se registrado o aumento acelerado da população acima dos 60 anos. A literatura, por abranger diversas temáticas e conduzir a inúmeras possibilidades de leituras, tornou-se um rico repertório de conhecimento. Neste estudo, analisou-se dois poemas de Dona, (2018), de Luciene Carvalho, à luz da crítica literária dos estudos de autoria da mulher. Intentou-se desvendar como se articulam os poemas com questões relacionadas à idade da mulher na sociedade brasileira. A pesquisa bibliográfica se pautou na enunciação da elaboração estética a partir da subjetividade feminina buscando legitimar aspectos ligados ao envelhecimento e, a carga pejorativa que sobrepõe à imagem da mulher idosa. Os poemas seguem o percurso da vida e o protagonismo poético da mulher na maturidade sinaliza que a vida só pode ser compreendida olhando-se para o passado e, nesta direção, só poderá ser bem vivida olhando-se para o porvir.

Minha poesia discorre o mundo da pandemia... Seus versos são pobres, Moram na vulnerabilidade.

Abstract The aim of this review is to highlight the rich chemistry of α‐haloamides originally mainly used to discover new C−N, C−O and C−S bond forming reactions, and later widely employed in C−C cross‐coupling reactions with C(sp3), C(sp2) and C(sp) coupling partners. Radical‐mediated transformations of α‐haloamides bearing a suitable located unsaturated bond has proven to be a straightforward alternative to access diverse cyclic compounds by means of either radical initiators, transition metal redox catalysis or visible light photoredox catalysis. On the other hand, cycloadditions with α‐halohydroxamate‐based azaoxyallyl cations have garnered significant attention. Moreover, in view of the important role in life and materials science of difluoroalkylated compounds, a wide range of catalysts has been developed for the efficient incorporation of difluoroacetamido moieties into activated as well as unactivated substrates.

Herein we present the biocatalysed preparation of a mono-N-carbamate-protected precursor of antitumoral Nutlin-3a through enantioselective alkoxycarbonylation of meso-1,2-disubstituted-1,2-diaminoethane using enzyme lipases and dialkyl carbonates as acylating agents. A series of supported or free lipase enzymes were screened in combination with commercially available diallyl, diethyl and dimethyl carbonates. The reactions were conducted at different temperatures, for different reaction times and with variable co-solvent systems to evaluate the effects on the enzyme catalytic activity. The best results in terms of conversion, enantiomeric excess and yield were obtained when lipase from Candida antarctica B (CAL-B) was used with diallyl carbonate (DAC) when conducting the reaction solventless at 75 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term frailty in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a manifold implication. The vast majority of the countries worldwide being hit by the pandemic have shown the frailty of their health and social care systems. Although the surprise factor could somehow justify the unpreparedness experienced during the first wave, the second wave still led to significant difficulties almost everywhere. Looking at Italy's situation, it is evident how the stress test applied by COVID-19 on the system has threatened its stability, getting it closer to collapsing many times. It is true that Italy, in particular the Northern regions, has been the epicenter of COVID-19 in Europe in a time when information about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was still lacking and confusing. Nevertheless, what happened has demonstrated significant issues in the structure, priorities, and organization of the system. It has exemplified the obsolete approach adopted in clinical practice, particularly when applied to frail older persons. The COVID-19 pandemic has made emerging the need for a substantial reshaping of our healthcare system. The hospital-centered model has dramatically failed. To adequately face the new challenges brought by the increasing complexity of our aging society, it is critical to move the barycenter of action toward the community/primary care, promoting the integration of services and centralization of clinical/administrative data. It is vital to train healthcare professionals in the identification and basic principles of geriatric conditions, clarifying the role that geriatricians play. In the present article, some cornerstone concepts of geriatric medicine (i.e., definition of geriatrics, multidisciplinarity, integrated care, and development of clinical databases for filling the evidence-based medicine gaps) are presented, explaining the challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and possible solutions for implementing improvements in the future.

Species occurrence records provide the basis for many biodiversity studies. They derive from georeferenced specimens deposited in natural history collections and visual observations, such as those obtained through various mobile applications. Given the rapid increase in availability of such data, the control of quality and accuracy constitutes a particular concern. Automatic filtering is a scalable and reproducible means to identify potentially problematic records and tailor datasets from public databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; http://www.gbif.org), for biodiversity analyses. However, it is unclear how much data may be lost by filtering, whether the same filters should be applied across all taxonomic groups, and what the effect of filtering is on common downstream analyses. Here, we evaluate the effect of 13 recently proposed filters on the inference of species richness patterns and automated conservation assessments for 18 Neotropical taxa, including terrestrial and marine animals, fungi, and plants downloaded from GBIF. We find that a total of 44.3% of the records are potentially problematic, with large variation across taxonomic groups (25–90%). A small fraction of records was identified as erroneous in the strict sense (4.2%), and a much larger proportion as unfit for most downstream analyses (41.7%). Filters of duplicated information, collection year, and basis of record, as well as coordinates in urban areas, or for terrestrial taxa in the sea or marine taxa on land, have the greatest effect. Automated filtering can help in identifying problematic records, but requires customization of which tests and thresholds should be applied to the taxonomic group and geographic area under focus. Our results stress the importance of thorough recording and exploration of the meta-data associated with species records for biodiversity research.

Este trabalho propõe apresentar uma leitura de alguns poemas da poeta moçambicana. Noémia de Sousa do livro Sangue Negro (2001). Também serão analisados alguns poemas do livro A dolorosa raiz do micondó (2006), da poeta são-tomense Conceição Lima na perspectiva de averiguar, eventuais semelhanças e divergência no processo de construção estética e temática das citadas poetas africanas. Pretende-se analisar os pontos em que a história dos países de origem dos sujeitos - poéticos influenciaram nas temáticas individuais e/ou coletiva do corpus selecionado referente a reconfiguração da memória.

Background: We describe for the first time the use of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a non-pharmacological solution in managing feline idiopathic hypercalcemia when dietary change alone fails.Case Summary: Over a 2-year period of time, three female spayed, middle-aged, Domestic Shorthair cats were diagnosed with idiopathic hypercalcemia. Reason for consultation were lethargy and dysorexia, with a single episode of vomiting described in one cat and dysuria in another. Thorough diagnostic work-up included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, ionized calcium, calcemic hormones, parathyroid hormone-related protein, and imaging of chest and abdomen. Based on different nutritional reasons, each cat was switched to a different high-moisture pet food as first-step in managing the disorder: a high-fiber diet, a diet formulated for chronic kidney disease management and a diet designed to prevent calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In the three cats, 6 weeks of dietary change alone did not result in normocalcemia. Before resorting to any pharmacological solution, supplementation to the diet of chia seeds (2 g/cat/day) was started. After 4 weeks from the introduction of Salvia hispanica L., all cats achieved normalization of ionized calcium concentration.Conclusion: Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation could be a useful tool in managing feline idiopathic hypercalcemia.

Abstract Background Melanomas are rare in cats. The eye is the most commonly involved site, whereas few data are available about feline non-ocular melanomas (NOMs). Ki-67 thresholds with prognostic relevance have been established for canine melanomas, but not in cats. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Ki-67 index, tumour characteristics, and clinical outcome in feline NOMs. Histologic samples were retrospectively reviewed. Amelanotic tumours were admitted upon immunohistochemical positivity for Melan A or S100. Evaluated parameters included morphological diagnosis, histotype, junctional activity, degree of pigmentation, vascular invasion, lymphocytic infiltrate, necrosis, mitotic count (MC) and Ki-67 index. Pigmented tumours were bleached before evaluation. Clinical and follow-up information were retrieved via telephone interviews with the referring veterinarians. Results Fifty tumours located in skin (n = 33) and mucosae (n = 17) were included. Forty-eight percent and 95% of amelanotic tumours (n = 21) stained positive for Melan A and S100, respectively. Most achromic tumours were mucosal (P 5, Ki-67 > 20% and lack of treatment administration. On multivariable analysis, only tumour histotype and treatment retained prognostic significance. Conclusions Although the majority of feline NOMs behave aggressively, Ki-67 index, together with other parameters, may contribute to prognostic assessment. Prospective studies on homogeneous populations are warranted to identify reliable threshold values for this marker.