Non-specific immune parameters and physiological response of Nile tilapia fed beta-glucan and vitamin C for different periods and submitted to stress and bacterial challenge

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Vaccination of grazing calves with antigens from the intestinal membranes of Haemonchus contortus: effects against natural challenge with Haemonchus placei and Haemonchus similis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Preventive effect of a high fluoride toothpaste and arginine-carbonate toothpaste on dentinal tubules exposure followed by acid challenge: a dentine permeability evaluation

Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Coexistence between Nearctic-Neotropical migratory shorebirds and humans on urban beaches of the Southern Hemisphere: a current conservation challenge in developing countries

The arrival of migratory shorebirds on beaches in urban communities in developing countries is a current challenge for the protection of these migrant birds. Nearctic-Neotropical migrants rely on roosting and feeding sites during their stopover on wintering sites in the Southern Hemisphere to acquire sufficient energy to complete their migratory cycles. On the other hand, cities in the Southern Hemisphere are growing rapidly, which results in increasing competition for space between humans and birds, such as for use in beach habitats. In the present study, I analyze the probability for occurrence for Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds relative to the number of people in southeastern Brazil, the most populated region of South America. The frequency of occurrence of migrants, their distance of tolerance to people and the number of people were recorded in sample areas (circle plots with 20 m radius) on a 9 km stretch of urban beaches from November to February from 2009 to 2013. The probability of occurrence of Nearctic birds decreased as the number of people increased. When the number of people exceeded 20, the probability of occurrence of birds was almost zero. Furthermore, more than 95 % of birds moved off when people were within 16 m of reach. These results are discussed in the context of conservation actions since no management plan has been developed for migrant shorebirds that use urban beaches as stopover or wintering sites in developing countries.

Social challenge increases cortisol and hypothalamic monoamine levels in matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus)

The neural circuitry for social behavior and aggression appears to be evolutionarily conserved across the vertebrate subphylum and involves a complex neural network that includes the hypothalamus as a key structure. In the present study, we evaluated the changes in monoamine levels in the hypothalamus and on serum cortisol and plasma glucose of resident matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) submitted to a social challenge (introduction of an intruder in their territory). The fight promoted a significant increase in hypothalamic 5-HT, NA and DA levels and on the metabolites 5-HIAA and DOPAC, and decreased 5-HIAA/5-HT and DOPAC/DA ratios in resident fish. Furthermore, an increase in serum cortisol and plasma glucose was also observed after the fight. Resident fish presented a high aggressiveness even with increased 5-HT levels in the hypothalamus. The alteration in hypothalamic monoaminergic activity of matrinxã suggests that this diencephalic region is involved in aggression and stress modulation in fish; however, it does not exclude the participation of other brain areas not tested here.

Evaluation of preservative effectiveness of liquid crystalline systems with retinyl palmitate by the challenge test and D-value

The objective of this work was to evaluate the preservative effectiveness of liquid crystalline systems containing retynil palmitate (RP) by the challenge test (CT) and D-value. A system was developed containing water, silicon glycol copolymer, and polyether functional siloxane with 1% RP added. The analyses were carried out by methods in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP 31, 2008) using the microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The CT showed that after 7 days, all microorganisms were eliminated except A. niger, which maintained viability for at least 28 days after inoculation. Moreover, the microorganisms E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. albicans and A. niger presented different growth behaviors, evidenced by differences among the D-values calculated. It was concluded that the CT and D-value were efficient methods for evaluation of the preservative property of these formulations.

Diversity of eating patterns and obesity in older adults: a new challenge

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Vitamin A affects haematology, growth and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.), but has no protective effect against bacterial challenge or cold-induced stress

Vitamin A (vitA) is an essential nutrient that acts as an endocrine regulator of several metabolic pathways, modulating normal growth and health status of animals. Although the importance of vitA for normal haematology and immune response is well documented for higher vertebrates, there is limited information on the physiological effects of vitA on fish. Therefore, we designed a 130-day feeding trial to evaluate the effect of vitA supplementation on growth, haematology, immune function and resistance to experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila and cold-induced stress. A group of 320 Nile tilapia fingerlings 7.49 ± 0.19 g weight (mean ± SD) were randomly stocked into 40 250 L-aquaria and fed practical diets containing graded levels of vitA (0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.96, 1.92, 3.84 mg retinol (ROH) kg−1 diet. Growth, haematology, plasma protein profile and immune response were significantly affected by vitA supplementation; however, no clear protective effect of vitA supplementation on disease and cold stress resistance were observed in this study. Clinical signs of vitA deficiency were: resting and abnormal swimming behaviour, exophthalmia, haemorrhages at the base of fins and on skin, serous fluids in abdominal cavity, neutropenia, reduction in red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin evolving to high mortality rates in a short period of time. A dietary level of vitA around 1.2 mg ROH kg−1 may be required to prevent gross deficiency signs and promote proper growth and health status of Nile tilapia. VitA does not seem to have a pronounced effect on leucocyte differentiation, but clearly plays an important role on maintaining normal erythropoiesis.

Humoral Immune Responses of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccination and Experimental Challenge with M. bovis

Monitoring of the kinetics of production of serum antibodies to multiple mycobacterial antigens can be useful as a diagnostic tool for the detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection as well as for the characterization of disease progression and the efficacy of intervention strategies in several species. The humoral immune responses to multiple M. bovis antigens by white-tailed deer vaccinated with BCG orally via a lipid-formulated bait (n = 5), orally in liquid form (n = 5), and subcutaneously (n = 6) were evaluated over time after vaccination and after experimental challenge with virulent M. bovis and were compared to the responses by unvaccinated deer (n = 6). Antibody responses were evaluated by using a rapid test (RT), a multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA), a lipoarabinomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (LAM-ELISA), and immunoblotting to whole-cell sonicate and recombinant antigen MPB83. MAPIA and RT detected minimal to no antibody responses over those at the baseline to multiple M. bovis antigens in vaccinated white-tailed deer after challenge. This was in contrast to the presence of more readily detectable antibody responses in nonvaccinated deer with more advanced disease. The LAM-ELISA results indicated an overall decrease in the level of production of detectable antibodies against lipoarabinomannan-enriched mycobacterial antigen in vaccinated animals compared to that in nonvaccinated animals after challenge. Immunoblot data were inconsistent but did suggest the occurrence of unique antibody responses by certain vaccinated groups to Ag85 and HSP70. These findings support further research toward the improvement and potential use of antibody-based assays, such as MAPIA, RT, and LAM-ELISA, as tools for the antemortem assessment of disease progression in white-tailed deer in both experimental and field vaccine trials.

Auriculo-Condylar Syndrome. Confronting a Diagnostic Challenge

Auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS) is characterized by typical ears malformation (so-called "question mark" ears), prominent cheeks, microstomia, and abnormality of the temporomandibular joint and condyle of the mandible. In this report we describe a new simplex case and a previously unreported family with affected individuals in three generations documenting clinical variability. Linkage study for markers located in candidate region for ACS1 (1p21.1-q23.3) was excluded in our familial case, reinforcing the hypothesis of genetic heterogeneity for this condition. A review of the literature focusing diagnostic criteria and features of ACS was performed. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Degradation of the resin-dentin bonds after simulated and inhibited cariogenic challenge in an in situ model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resindentin bonds of two simplified etch-and-rinse adhesive after simulated cariogenic and inhibited cariogenic challenge in situ. Dental cavities (4 mm wide, 4 mm long, and 1.5 mm deep) were prepared in 60 bovine teeth with enamel margins. Restorations were bonded with either adhesive Adper Single Bond 2 (3MESPE) or Optibond Solo Plus (Kerr). Forty restorations were included in an intra-oral palatal appliance that was used for 10 adult volunteers while the remaining 20 dental blocks were not submitted to any cariogenic challenge [NC group] and tested immediately. For the simulated cariogenic challenge [C+DA], each volunteer dropped 20% sucrose solution onto all blocks four times a day during 14 days and distilled water twice a day. In the inhibited cariogenic challenge group [C + FA], the same procedure was done, but slurry of fluoride dentifrice (1.100 ppm) was applied instead of water. The restored bovine blocks were sectioned to obtain a slice for cross-sectional Vickers microhardness evaluation and resindentin bonded sticks (0.8 mm2) for resindentin microtensile evaluation. Data were evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (a = 0.05). Statistically lower microhardness values and degradation of the resindentin bonds were only found in the C + DW group for both adhesives. The in situ model seems to be a suitable short-term methodology to investigate the degradation of the resindentin bonds under a more realistic condition. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 14661471, 2012.

Giant cell bone lesions in the craniofacial region: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Background: Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTs) are common in the long bones, but rare in the craniofacial region, with only 1% of cases occurring in the latter. Clinical, radiological, and anatomical diagnosis of this locally aggressive disease, which occurs in response to trauma or neoplastic transformation, poses a major challenge in clinical practice. Methods: The present study describes a series of 4 cases and highlights the main features of the differential diagnosis and treatment of these lesions: GCT, giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG), and the brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism. Results: GCT presents as a benign neoplasm, most typically affecting the knees, and rarely in the temporal and sphenoid bones. It is radiologically indistinguishable from GCRG due to its lytic, poorly defined appearance. The distinction can only be made microscopically, as the presence of multinucleated giant cells scattered throughout the stroma and the absence of a history of trauma favor a diagnosis of GCT. The brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism occurs with rapid, localized osteoclast activity secondary to the effects of increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels; parathyroid examination is indispensable. Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of these lesions poses a major challenge due to their similar clinical presentation and radiological appearance. Accurate diagnosis is essential for definition of appropriate management, as complete resection is the goal in GCT and GCRG to avoid recurrence, whereas the brown tumor often yields to treatment of the underlying hyperparathyroidism.

PPAR-gamma agonists, mainly 15d-PGJ(2), reduce eosinophil recruitment following allergen challenge

We evaluate the immunomodulation of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists 15d-PGJ(2) and rosiglitazone (RGZ) in a model of chronic eosinophilia. 15d-PGJ(2) and RGZ significantly reduce eosinophil migration into the peritoneal cavity and down-regulate the eosinopoiesis. The synthesis of IL-5 was decreased after the treatment with 15d-PGJ(2) and RGZ corroborating with the eosinophil migration inhibition. However, IgE was decreased only after the administration of 15d-PGJ(2) in part due to B-cell inhibition. We also observed a decrease in the synthesis of IL-33, IL-17 and IL-23, suggesting that besides the modulation of Th2 pattern, there is a modulation via IL-23 and IL-17 suggesting a role of these cytokines in the eosinophil recruitment. In fact IL-17(-1-) mice failed to develop an eosinophilic response. Altogether, the results showed that PPAR-gamma agonists mainly 15d-PGJ(2), have therapeutic efficacy in eosinophil-induced diseases with an alternative mechanism of control, via IL-23/IL-17 and IL-33. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Animal models of prenatal immune challenge and their contribution to the study of schizophrenia: a systematic review

Prenatal immune challenge (PIC) in pregnant rodents produces offspring with abnormalities in behavior, histology, and gene expression that are reminiscent of schizophrenia and autism. Based on this, the goal of this article was to review the main contributions of PIC models, especially the one using the viral-mimetic particle polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly-I:C), to the understanding of the etiology, biological basis and treatment of schizophrenia. This systematic review consisted of a search of available web databases (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Knowledge) for original studies published in the last 10 years (May 2001 to October 2011) concerning animal models of PIC, focusing on those using poly-I:C. The results showed that the PIC model with poly-I:C is able to mimic the prodrome and both the positive and negative/cognitive dimensions of schizophrenia, depending on the specific gestation time window of the immune challenge. The model resembles the neurobiology and etiology of schizophrenia and has good predictive value. In conclusion, this model is a robust tool for the identification of novel molecular targets during prenatal life, adolescence and adulthood that might contribute to the development of preventive and/or treatment strategies (targeting specific symptoms, i.e., positive or negative/cognitive) for this devastating mental disorder, also presenting biosafety as compared to viral infection models. One limitation of this model is the incapacity to model the full spectrum of immune responses normally induced by viral exposure.

Glial cell activity is maintained during prolonged inflammatory challenge in rats

We evaluated the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), ionized calcium binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1), and ferritin in rats after single or repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, which is known to induce endotoxin tolerance and glial activation. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) received ip injections of LPS (100 µg/kg) or saline for 6 days: 6 saline (N = 5), 5 saline + 1 LPS (N = 6) and 6 LPS (N = 6). After the sixth injection, the rats were perfused and the brains were collected for immunohistochemistry. After a single LPS dose, the number of GFAP-positive cells increased in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC; 1 LPS: 35.6 ± 1.4 vs control: 23.1 ± 2.5) and hippocampus (1 LPS: 165.0 ± 3.0 vs control: 137.5 ± 2.5), and interestingly, 6 LPS injections further increased GFAP expression in these regions (ARC = 52.5 ± 4.3; hippocampus = 182.2 ± 4.1). We found a higher GS expression only in the hippocampus of the 6 LPS injections group (56.6 ± 0.8 vs 46.7 ± 1.9). Ferritin-positive cells increased similarly in the hippocampus of rats treated with a single (49.2 ± 1.7 vs 28.1 ± 1.9) or repeated (47.6 ± 1.1 vs 28.1 ± 1.9) LPS dose. Single LPS enhanced Iba-1 in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN: 92.8 ± 4.1 vs 65.2 ± 2.2) and hippocampus (99.4 ± 4.4 vs 73.8 ± 2.1), but had no effect in the retrochiasmatic nucleus (RCA) and ARC. Interestingly, 6 LPS increased the Iba-1 expression in these hypothalamic and hippocampal regions (RCA: 57.8 ± 4.6 vs 36.6 ± 2.2; ARC: 62.4 ± 6.0 vs 37.0 ± 2.2; PVN: 100.7 ± 4.4 vs 65.2 ± 2.2; hippocampus: 123.0 ± 3.8 vs 73.8 ± 2.1). The results suggest that repeated LPS treatment stimulates the expression of glial activation markers, protecting neuronal activity during prolonged inflammatory challenges.