RESUMO
Finding novel methodologies that enhance the precision, agility, and standardization of drug discovery is crucial for studying leishmaniasis. The slide count is the technique most used to assess the leishmanicidal effect of a given drug in vitro. Despite being consolidated in the scientific environment, it presents several difficulties in its execution, assessment, and results. In addition to being laborious, this technique takes time, both for the preparation of the material for analysis and for the counting itself. Our research group suggests a fresh approach to address this requirement, which involves utilizing nuclear labeling with propidium iodide and flow cytometry to determine the quantity of Leishmania sp. parasites present in macrophages in vitro. Our results show that the fluorescence of infected samples increases as the infection rate increases. Using Pearson's Correlation analysis, it was possible to establish a correlation coefficient (Pearson r = 0.9473) that was strongly positive, linear, and directly proportional to the fluorescence and infection rate variables. Thus, it is possible to infer a mathematical equation through linear regression to estimate the number of parasites in each sample using the Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU) values. This new methodology opens space for the possibility of using this methodological resource in the in vitro quantification of Leishmania in macrophages.
Assuntos
Citometria de Fluxo , Leishmania , Macrófagos , Carga Parasitária , Citometria de Fluxo/métodos , Macrófagos/parasitologia , Animais , Camundongos , Carga Parasitária/métodos , Leishmaniose/parasitologia , Propídio , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB CRESUMO
Background: Concerns about nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been described since the COVID-19 pandemic was first reported and cases of hospital-acquired (HA) COVID-19 and COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported even in clinical areas not intended for the specific care of COVID-19 and declared as "non-COVID" areas. Methods: Retrospective analysis of measures to prevent of hospital acquisition of COVID-19 in patients admitted to a tertiary referral specialist orthopaedic hospital in Brazil in which emergency care was maintained during the pandemic. Results: The proportion of HA-COVID-19 (0.07%) was lower than the value reported for general healthcare in Brazil (0.72%, P<0.001). The integration of several clinical teams to maintain a constant surveillance system, as well as the immediate isolation of patients with any compatible symptoms of COVID-19 and the restriction from work and the testing of symptomatic healthcare workers, were an important part of the strategies adopted. Conclusion: We suggest that the described strategies for preventing the nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 contributed to the observed proportion of HA-COVID-19 to be significantly lower than the reported national value. Future studies that investigate these and other preventative measures are important so that hospitals are prepared for further periods of a high incidence of COVID-19, as well as for other epidemics associated with respiratory transmission.
RESUMO
From a systematic review framework, we assessed the preclinical evidence on the effectiveness of drug combinations for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treatment. Research protocol was based on the PRISMA guideline. Research records were identified from Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Animal models, infection and treatment protocols, parasitological and immunological outcomes were analysed. The SYRCLE's (SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) toll was used to evaluate the risk of bias in all studies reviewed. Fourteen papers using mice, hamster and dogs were identified. Leishmania donovani was frequently used to induce VL, which was treated with 23 drugs in 40 different combinations. Most combinations allowed to reduce the effective dose, cost and time of treatment, in addition to improving the parasitological control of Leishmania spp. The benefits achieved from drug combinations were associated with an increased drug's half-life, direct parasitic toxicity and improved immune defences in infected hosts. Selection, performance and detection bias were the main limitations identified. Current evidence indicates that combination chemotherapy, especially those based on classical drugs (miltefosine, amphotericin B antimony-based compounds) and new drugs (CAL-101, PAM3Cys, tufisin and DB766), develops additive or synergistic interactions, which trigger trypanocidal and immunomodulatory effects associated with reduced parasite load, organ damage and better cure rates in VL.
RESUMO
As consumer awareness of food expands, as does the understanding of the correlation between nutrition and health benefits, consumers are increasingly looking for healthier foods. One of these aspects can be observed in the search for foods with clean labels and with the removal/replacement of artificial additives, such as coloring. However, there are still no studies on the perception of foods with a positive reputation, such as fermented dairy. The present work aimed to evaluate the consumers' perception (n = 121) of kefir labels with the addition of food dyes from different origins (KN = natural kefir / no dye; KCA = kefir added with artificial coloring; KCN = kefir added with natural coloring; KCR = kefir added with coloring from fruit residues), associating data obtained through Product Personality Profile (PPP) and the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). Based on FCQ's data, consumers were subdivided into three distinct clusters with specific profiles - Conscious, Balanced, and Flexible - and had their perceptions of each of the kefir labels described by PPP and Multidimensional Alignment Analysis (MDA). By consensus, the groups associated the KN label with individuals concerned about healthy eating and diets, reaffirming the positive commercial positioning of kefir. At the same time, for KCA, a contrasting association was observed. The Conscious group noted the samples better, emphasizing the correlation of KCR (with added fruit residue dye) with an adult female, married and engaged in physical activity. KCN was correlated with a young, single, student and gym or running target group stands out for the Balanced group. The Flexible one also associated the consumption of KCA with a young audience, ranging from athletic to overweight, with a normal to unbalanced diet. In summary, different impacts on the perception of kefir labels could be elicited with the correlation of FCQ, PPP, and MDA, emphasizing the importance of exploring market segments and design strategies for the target audience.
Assuntos
Corantes de Alimentos , Kefir , Técnicas Projetivas , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Percepção , PersonalidadeRESUMO
Recently, we demonstrated that an overtraining (OT) protocol for mice based on downhill running sessions increased the hepatic phosphorylation of 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1; Thr389), a downstream target of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In liver, the overactivation of the Akt/mTORC1 pathway induces lipogenesis via regulation of the action of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) at multiple steps. Herein, we verified the effects of three running OT models with same external load (i.e., the product between intensity and volume of training), but performed in downhill, uphill and without inclination, on the proteins related to the mTORC1 signaling pathway, the protein content of the SREBP-1, ACC, and FAS, and the morphological characteristics of C57BL/6 mouse livers. In summary, the downhill running-induced OT model up-regulated the levels of major proteins of the mTORC1 signaling pathway, the protein levels of SREBP-1 (p125 precursor) and induced signs of cell swelling accompanied by acute inflammation. The other two OT protocols performed uphill and without inclination did not modulate the most analyzed molecular proteins, but induced hepatic morphological alterations, suggesting an acute pathological adaptation. The three OT models induced hepatic fat accumulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2094-2103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assuntos
Tecido Adiposo/metabolismo , Metabolismo Energético , Fígado Gorduroso/etiologia , Fígado/metabolismo , Condicionamento Físico Animal/efeitos adversos , Resistência Física , Proteínas Quinases Ativadas por AMP/metabolismo , Acetil-CoA Carboxilase/metabolismo , Tecido Adiposo/patologia , Animais , Ácido Graxo Sintase Tipo I/metabolismo , Fígado Gorduroso/metabolismo , Fígado Gorduroso/patologia , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Alvo Mecanístico do Complexo 1 de Rapamicina , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Complexos Multiproteicos/metabolismo , Fosforilação , Condicionamento Físico Animal/métodos , Corrida , Transdução de Sinais , Proteína de Ligação a Elemento Regulador de Esterol 1/metabolismo , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismoRESUMO
This study evaluated the presence of biogenic amines in fermented cow's and goat's milks containing probiotic bacteria, during the first 10 days of chilled storage (4 ± 2°C), when the probiotic strains are most viable. The overall acceptance of both fermented milks, produced using the same starter culture and probiotics, was tested. In both products, the initially high levels of tyramine (560 mg kg(-1) means for both fermented milks), the predominant biogenic amine, increased during the storage period, which may be considered this amine as a quality index for fermented milks. The other principal biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and spermidine) were produced on days 1-5 of storage, and thereafter decreased. At the end of the 10th day, these amines, respectively, showed values of fermented cow's milk 20.26, 29.09, 17.97, and 82.07 mg kg(-1); and values of fermented goat's milk 22.92, 29.09, 34.85, and 53.85 mg kg(-1), in fermented cow's and goat's milk. Fermented cow's milk was well accepted compared to fermented goat's milk. The results suggested that the content of biogenic amines may be a criterion for selecting lactic acid bacteria used to produce fermented milks.
RESUMO
Aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses (AIV). Habitats in Brazil provide stopover and wintering sites for water birds that migrate between North and South America. The current study was conducted to elucidate the possibility of the transport of influenza A viruses by birds that migrate annually between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In total, 556 orotracheal/cloacal swab samples were collected for influenza A virus screening using real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). The influenza A virus-positive samples were subjected to viral isolation. Four samples were positive for the influenza A matrix gene by rRT-PCR. From these samples, three viruses were isolated, sequenced and characterized. All positive samples originated from a single bird species, the ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), that was caught in the Amazon region at Caeté Bay, Northeast Pará, at Ilha de Canelas. To our knowledge, this is the first isolation of H11N9 in the ruddy turnstone in South America.
Assuntos
Migração Animal , Charadriiformes/virologia , Vírus da Influenza A/isolamento & purificação , Estações do Ano , Animais , Brasil , Vírus da Influenza A/classificação , Filogenia , SimpatriaRESUMO
The qualitative and quantitative aspects of femoral artery blood flow waveform spectra were evaluated in 15 male and 15 female Persian and mixed breed domestic cats (Felis catus), which were healthy and not sedated, using duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DDU). Spectral Doppler demonstrated a biphasic characteristic in 16 (53.34%) of the animals evaluated, and a triphasic characteristic in the 14 (46.66%) remaining animals. The systolic blood pressure and heart rate values were within the normal range for the species. The quantitative parameters evaluated, based on the spectral Doppler, were as follows: systolic velocity peak (SVP), recent diastolic velocity peak (RDVP), end diastolic velocity peak (EDVP), mean velocity (MV), integral velocity time (ITV), artery diameter (AD), femoral flow volume (FFV), pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI), systolic peak acceleration time (AT) and deceleration time (DT). The respective mean values were: 36.41 ± 7.33 cm/s, 4.69 ± 0.90 cm/s, 10.74 ± 2.74 cm/s, 23.06 ± 4.86 cm/s, 3.91 ± 1.05 cm, 0.17 ± 0.04 cm, 0.11 ± 0.08 cm(3), 3.85 ± 0.19, 1.40 ± 0.20, 39.84 ± 7.38 ms, and 114.0 ± 22.15 ms. No significant differences were found between males and females. The analyses carried out on the femoral artery flow spectrum obtained by DDU showed that it is easy to use and highly tolerated in non-sedated, healthy cats. It appears that DDU may be a useful diagnostic technique, but further studies are needed to evaluate how it compares with invasive telemetric methodology or high-definition oscillometric waveform analytic techniques.
Assuntos
Gatos/fisiologia , Artéria Femoral/fisiologia , Animais , Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo/veterinária , Pressão Sanguínea , Feminino , Artéria Femoral/diagnóstico por imagem , Frequência Cardíaca , Masculino , Fluxo Pulsátil , Valores de Referência , Ultrassonografia Doppler em Cores/veterináriaRESUMO
Studies are performed in developing techniques/procedures that provide greater reproductive performance in farm animals, including pigs. In this sense, the study of gilts reproductive organs at different oestrus cycle stages for assessing the presence of abnormalities and/or other parameters that may affect the future animal fertility is important. In order to evaluate the morphological, morphometric and histomorphometric features of ovaries, uterus and uterine tubes (UTs) characteristics of prepubertal gilts at different oestrus cycle stages, reproductive tracts from 48 animals immediately after slaughter were obtained. After, the structures were dissected and removed, and the ovaries were used for classification of oestrus cycle stage of each gilt in follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (FL). Then, morphometric evaluations of ovaries, UTs, uterine horns and uterine body were performed. Besides that, medial segments of UTs and uterus were fixed in Bouin solution, processed and included in paraffin, when histological sections of 5.0 micrometers (µm) were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Histomorphometric analyzes using image capture system and specific software were performed. Afterwards, data were submitted to Student's t test for assessment the statistical differences (P<0.05) between the two different oestrus cycle stages (FP × LP) and between the placement of reproductive structures (right × left antimer). Among the gilts evaluated, 35 were in the FP and 13 in LP. There was no difference (P>0.05) between morphometric parameters of ovaries, UTs and uterus of gilts in FP and LP. Likewise, in respect to the placement of reproductive structures, both in the oestrus cycle stages, as in the general average, there was no difference (P>0.05). Regarding the histomorphometric variables, gilts classified in FP presented a higher (P<0.05) height of glandular and UT epithelium compared to animals in LP...
Pesquisas são realizadas no desenvolvimento de técnicas/procedimentos que propiciem maior eficiência reprodutiva em animais de produção, dentre esses, os suínos. Nesse sentido, o estudo dos órgãos reprodutivos das fêmeas suínas em diferentes fases do ciclo estral é importante para avaliação da presença de anomalias e/ou demais parâmetros que possam afetar a fertilidade futura do animal. Objetivando-se avaliar as características morfológicas, morfométricas e histomorfométricas dos ovários, útero e tubas uterinas (TUs) de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes em diferentes fases do ciclo estral, tratos reprodutivos foram obtidos de 48 animais imediatamente após o abate. Posteriormente, as estruturas foram dissecadas e retiradas, sendo os ovários utilizados para a classificação da fase do ciclo estral de cada fêmea em fase folicular (FF) e fase luteínica (FL). Em seguida, foram realizadas avaliações morfométricas dos ovários, TUs, cornos uterinos e corpo uterino. Após, segmentos mediais das TUs e útero foram fixados em solução de Bouin, processados e incluídos rotineiramente em parafina, quando cortes histológicos de 5,0 micrômetros (µm) foram obtidos e corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina. Análises histomorfométricas foram realizadas utilizando sistema de captura de imagens e software específico. Posteriormente, os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student para a avaliação de diferenças estatísticas (P<0,05) entre as diferentes fases do ciclo estral (FF × FL) e entre a localização das estruturas reprodutivas (antímero direito × esquerdo). Dentre as fêmeas avaliadas, 35 encontravam-se na FF e 13 na FL. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros morfométricos dos ovários, TUs e útero das fêmeas nas FF e FL. Da mesma forma, em relação à localização das estruturas reprodutivas, tanto nas duas fases do ciclo estral, como na média geral, não houve diferença (P>0,05)...
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Ciclo Estral/fisiologia , Tubas Uterinas , Ovário/anatomia & histologia , Suínos/fisiologia , Útero/anatomia & histologia , Técnicas Reprodutivas/veterináriaRESUMO
Studies are performed in developing techniques/procedures that provide greater reproductive performance in farm animals, including pigs. In this sense, the study of gilts reproductive organs at different oestrus cycle stages for assessing the presence of abnormalities and/or other parameters that may affect the future animal fertility is important. In order to evaluate the morphological, morphometric and histomorphometric features of ovaries, uterus and uterine tubes (UTs) characteristics of prepubertal gilts at different oestrus cycle stages, reproductive tracts from 48 animals immediately after slaughter were obtained. After, the structures were dissected and removed, and the ovaries were used for classification of oestrus cycle stage of each gilt in follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (FL). Then, morphometric evaluations of ovaries, UTs, uterine horns and uterine body were performed. Besides that, medial segments of UTs and uterus were fixed in Bouin solution, processed and included in paraffin, when histological sections of 5.0 micrometers (µm) were obtained and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Histomorphometric analyzes using image capture system and specific software were performed. Afterwards, data were submitted to Student's t test for assessment the statistical differences (P<0.05) between the two different oestrus cycle stages (FP × LP) and between the placement of reproductive structures (right × left antimer). Among the gilts evaluated, 35 were in the FP and 13 in LP. There was no difference (P>0.05) between morphometric parameters of ovaries, UTs and uterus of gilts in FP and LP. Likewise, in respect to the placement of reproductive structures, both in the oestrus cycle stages, as in the general average, there was no difference (P>0.05). Regarding the histomorphometric variables, gilts classified in FP presented a higher (P<0.05) height of glandular and UT epithelium compared to animals in LP. On the other hand, the diameter of endometrial glands was higher (P<0.05) in gilts at LP compared to FP. Furthermore, gilts in LP presented a higher (P<0.05) proportion of endometrium occupied by glands, whereas animals in FP had a higher (P<0.05) proportion of connective tissue and blood vessels. In conclusion, in prepubertal gilts, the histomorphometric parameters as endometrial glands diameter, the height of glandular epithelium and of UT epithelium and the proportion of endometrium occupied by connective tissue, besides the glands and blood vessels varies through the oestrus cycle, possibly under the influence of ovarian steroids.(AU)
Pesquisas são realizadas no desenvolvimento de técnicas/procedimentos que propiciem maior eficiência reprodutiva em animais de produção, dentre esses, os suínos. Nesse sentido, o estudo dos órgãos reprodutivos das fêmeas suínas em diferentes fases do ciclo estral é importante para avaliação da presença de anomalias e/ou demais parâmetros que possam afetar a fertilidade futura do animal. Objetivando-se avaliar as características morfológicas, morfométricas e histomorfométricas dos ovários, útero e tubas uterinas (TUs) de fêmeas suínas pré-púberes em diferentes fases do ciclo estral, tratos reprodutivos foram obtidos de 48 animais imediatamente após o abate. Posteriormente, as estruturas foram dissecadas e retiradas, sendo os ovários utilizados para a classificação da fase do ciclo estral de cada fêmea em fase folicular (FF) e fase luteínica (FL). Em seguida, foram realizadas avaliações morfométricas dos ovários, TUs, cornos uterinos e corpo uterino. Após, segmentos mediais das TUs e útero foram fixados em solução de Bouin, processados e incluídos rotineiramente em parafina, quando cortes histológicos de 5,0 micrômetros (µm) foram obtidos e corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina. Análises histomorfométricas foram realizadas utilizando sistema de captura de imagens e software específico. Posteriormente, os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student para a avaliação de diferenças estatísticas (P<0,05) entre as diferentes fases do ciclo estral (FF × FL) e entre a localização das estruturas reprodutivas (antímero direito × esquerdo). Dentre as fêmeas avaliadas, 35 encontravam-se na FF e 13 na FL. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros morfométricos dos ovários, TUs e útero das fêmeas nas FF e FL. Da mesma forma, em relação à localização das estruturas reprodutivas, tanto nas duas fases do ciclo estral, como na média geral, não houve diferença (P>0,05). Em relação às variáveis histomorfométricas, as fêmeas classificadas na FF apresentaram maior (P<0,05) altura do epitélio glandular e da TU em comparação com os animais na FL. Por outro lado, o diâmetro das glândulas endometriais foi maior (P<0,05) nas fêmeas classificadas na FL em comparação com a FF. Além disso, as fêmeas na FL apresentaram maior (P<0,05) proporção do endométrio ocupada por glândulas, enquanto que as fêmeas da FF apresentaram maior (P<0,05) proporção de tecido conjuntivo e vasos sanguíneos. Em conclusão, em fêmeas suínas pré-púberes, os parâmetros histomorfométricos, o diâmetro das glândulas endometriais, a altura do epitélio glandular e da TU e a proporção do endométrio ocupada por tecido conjuntivo, além das glândulas e vasos sanguíneos variam ao longo do ciclo estral, possivelmente devido à influência dos esteróides ovarianos.(AU)