Congenital Neospora caninum infection was diagnosed in two Saanen goat kids from two distinct herds with a history of abortion and weak newborn goat kids in the Southern region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The first kid was weak at birth, had difficulty to rise and was unable to nurse. Gross lesions of porencephaly and hydrocephalus ex vacuo were seen. Multifocal necrosis, gliosis and non-supurative encephalitis were observed in the brain. Several parasitic cysts with a thick wall that reacted strongly only with polyclonal antiserum to Neospora caninum were seen in the cerebral cortex, brain stem and cerebellum. The second kid was born from a Neospora caninum seropositive mother that aborted in the last pregnancy. It was born without clinical signs. The diagnosis of neosporosis was based on antibody titer of 1:800 to N. caninum by indirect fluorescence antibody test obtained from blood collected before the goat kid ingested the colostrum and Neospora caninum DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced from placenta. This is the first report of neosporosis in goats in the southeast region of Brazil.
Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology ; Brazil ; Coccidiosis/congenital/immunology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Female ; Goat Diseases/congenital/immunology/*parasitology ; Goats ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Neospora/genetics/immunology/*isolation & purification/physiology ; Pregnancy

PURPOSE: This study incorporated the nanomaterial, nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO3), into heat-cured resin (HT) at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% and compared the adhesion of multispecies biofilms, surface characteristics, and mechanical properties with conventional heat-cured (HT 0%) and printed resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AgVO3 was incorporated in mass into HT powder. A denture base resin was used to obtain printed samples. Adhesion of a multispecies biofilm of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans was evaluated by colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) and metabolic activity. Wettability, roughness, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to assess the physical characteristics of the surface. The mechanical properties of flexural strength and elastic modulus were tested. RESULTS: HT 10%-AgVO3 showed efficacy against S. mutans; however, it favored C. albicans CFU/mL (P < .05). The printed resin showed a higher metabolically active biofilm than HT 0% (P < .05). There was no difference in wettability or roughness between groups (P > .05). Irregularities on the printed resin surface and pores in HT 5%-AgVO3 were observed by SEM. HT 0% showed the highest flexural strength, and the resins incorporated with AgVO3 had the highest elastic modulus (P < .05). CONCLUSION The incorporation of 10% AgVO3 into heat-cured resin provided antimicrobial activity against S. mutans in a multispecies biofilm did not affect the roughness or wettability but reduced flexural strength and increased elastic modulus. Printed resin showed higher irregularity, an active biofilm, and lower flexural strength and elastic modulus than heat-cured resin.

Background: Due to the poor outcomes associated with the impairment of physical function and muscle strength in patients on maintenance dialysis, it is important to understand the factors that may influence physical function and muscle strength. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with physical function in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: Patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis for at least 3 months, aged 18 years old or above, were enrolled. Physical function was assessed by handgrip strength, gait and sit-to-stand tests, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Clinical and laboratory data were collected to verify the association with physical function parameters through binary logistic regression. Results: One-hundred ninety patients on maintenance dialysis were included; 140 patients (73.7%) on hemodialysis and 50 (26.3%) on peritoneal dialysis. The mean age was 57.3 ± 14.9 years, 109 (57.4%) were male, and 87 (45.8%) were older than 60 years. The median SPPB was 8.0 points (6.0–10.0 points) and the mean ± standard deviation of handgrip strength was 24.7 ± 12.2 kg. Binary logistic regression showed that age, type of renal replacement therapy, diabetes mellitus, and serum creatinine were significantly associated with both higher 4-meter gait test times and lower SPPB scores. Only age and diabetes mellitus were associated with higher sit-to-stand test times, while age and ferritin were associated with lower handgrip strength. Conclusion Age, diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine, and hemodialysis modality are factors related to physical function in dialysis patients.

Background: Due to the poor outcomes associated with the impairment of physical function and muscle strength in patients on maintenance dialysis, it is important to understand the factors that may influence physical function and muscle strength. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with physical function in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: Patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis for at least 3 months, aged 18 years old or above, were enrolled. Physical function was assessed by handgrip strength, gait and sit-to-stand tests, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Clinical and laboratory data were collected to verify the association with physical function parameters through binary logistic regression. Results: One-hundred ninety patients on maintenance dialysis were included; 140 patients (73.7%) on hemodialysis and 50 (26.3%) on peritoneal dialysis. The mean age was 57.3 ± 14.9 years, 109 (57.4%) were male, and 87 (45.8%) were older than 60 years. The median SPPB was 8.0 points (6.0–10.0 points) and the mean ± standard deviation of handgrip strength was 24.7 ± 12.2 kg. Binary logistic regression showed that age, type of renal replacement therapy, diabetes mellitus, and serum creatinine were significantly associated with both higher 4-meter gait test times and lower SPPB scores. Only age and diabetes mellitus were associated with higher sit-to-stand test times, while age and ferritin were associated with lower handgrip strength. Conclusion Age, diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine, and hemodialysis modality are factors related to physical function in dialysis patients.

To understand the situation of water contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in the northern region of Portugal, we have established a long-term program aimed at pinpointing the sources of surface water and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Here, we describe the results obtained with raw water samples collected in rivers of the 5 hydrographical basins. A total of 283 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623 EPA, USA. Genetic characterization was performed by PCR and sequencing of genes 18S rRNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and beta-giardin of Giardia spp. Infectious stages of the protozoa were detected in 72.8% (206 of 283) of the water samples, with 15.2% (43 of 283) positive for Giardia duodenalis cysts, 9.5% (27 of 283) positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, and 48.1% (136 of 283) samples positive for both parasites. The most common zoonotic species found were G. duodenalis assemblages A-I, A-II, B, and E genotypes, and Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Cryptosporidium muris. These results suggest that cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are important public health issues in northern Portugal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in raw water samples in the northern region of Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maternal demographic characteristics and uterine artery (UA) Doppler parameters at first and second trimesters of pregnancy as predictors for hypertensive disorders (HDs) and adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This prospective cohort study comprised 162 singleton low-risk women undergoing routine antenatal care. The left and right UA were assessed by color and pulsed Doppler and the mean pulsatility and resistance indices as well as the presence of a bilateral protodiastolic notch were recorded at 11 to 14 and 20 to 24 weeks' gestation. Multilevel regression analysis was used to determine the effects of maternal characteristics and abnormal UA Doppler parameters on the incidence of HD, small for gestational age newborn, cesarean section rate, Apgar score <7 at 1st and 5th minute, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: Fifteen women (9.2%) developed HD. UA mean resistance index (RI), UA mean pulsatility index, and parity were independent predictors of HD. Compared to the pregnancies with a normal UA mean RI at the first and second trimesters, pregnancies with UA mean RI >95th percentile only at the first trimester showed an increased risk for HD (odds ratio, 23.25; 95% confidence interval, 3.47 to 155.73; P<0.01). Similar result was found for UA mean pulsatility index >95th percentile (odds ratio, 9.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 92.10; P=0.05). The model including maternal age, maternal and paternal ethnicity, occupation, parity and UA mean RI increased the relative risk for HD (area under receiver operating characteristics, 0.81). CONCLUSION: A first-trimester screening combining maternal characteristics and UA Doppler parameters is useful to predict HD in a low-risk population.
Apgar Score ; Cesarean Section ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Mass Screening* ; Maternal Age ; Methods* ; Occupations ; Parity ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second* ; Pregnancy* ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Ultrasonography, Doppler ; Uterine Artery*

OBJECTIVES: Chitosan has been widely investigated and used. However, the literature does not refer to the shelf life of this solution. This study evaluated, through the colorimetric titration technique and an analysis of dentin micro-hardness, the shelf life of 0.2% chitosan solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty human canines were sectioned, and specimens were obtained from the second and third slices, from cemento-enamel junction to the apex. A 0.2% chitosan solution was prepared and distributed in 3 identical glass bottles (v1, v2, and v3) and 3 plastic bottles (p1, p2, and p3). At 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days, the specimens were immersed in each solution for 5 minutes (n = 3 each). The chelating effect of the solution was assessed by micro-hardness and colorimetric analysis of the dentin specimens. 17% EDTA and distilled water were used as controls. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the solutions with respect to the study time (p = 0.113) and micro-hardness/time interaction (p = 0.329). Chitosan solutions and EDTA reduced the micro-hardness in a similar manner and differed significantly from the control group (p < 0.001). Chitosan solutions chelated calcium ions throughout the entire experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the storage form, chitosan demonstrates a chelating property for a minimum period of 6 months.
Calcium ; Chelating Agents ; Chitosan* ; Colorimetry* ; Dentin* ; Edetic Acid ; Glass ; Humans ; Ions ; Plastics ; Product Packaging* ; Water

The drug-resistance of malaria parasites is the main problem in the disease control. The huge Brazilian biodiversity promotes the search for new compounds, where the animal kingdom is proving to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of the compounds obtained from the toad venoms of Brazilian Amazon. Toad venoms were collected from the secretion of Rhinella marina and Rhaebo guttatus in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The powder was extracted at room temperature, yielding 2 extracts (RG and RM) and a substance ('1') identified as a bufadienolide, named telocinobufagin. Growth inhibition, intraerythrocytic development, and parasite morphology were evaluated in culture by microscopic observations of Giemsa-stained thin blood films. Cytotoxicity was determined against HepG2 and BGM cells by MTT and neutral red assays. The 2 extracts and the pure substance ('1') tested were active against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain, demonstrating lower IC₅₀ values. In cytotoxic tests, the 2 extracts and substance '1' showed pronounced lethal effects on chloroquine-resistant P. faciparum strain and low cytotoxic effect, highlighting toad parotoid gland secretions as a promising source of novel lead antiplasmodial compounds.
Amphibian Venoms* ; Animals ; Biodiversity ; Brazil* ; Bufo marinus ; Malaria ; Neutral Red ; Parasites ; Plasmodium falciparum

This study aimed to show that the physicochemical proprieties obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) can be useful tools for evaluating the quality of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical products. In addition, a simple, sensitive, and efficient method employing HPLC-DAD was developed for simulta-neous determination of lidocaine (LID), ciprofloxacin (CFX) and enrofloxacin (EFX) in raw materials and in veterinary pharmaceutical formulations. Compounds were separated using a Gemini C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) Phenomenex ? column, at a temperature of 25 °C, with a mobile phase containing 10 mM of phosphoric acid (pH 3.29): acetonitrile (85.7:14.3, v/v) and a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. Physicochemical characterization by TG, FTIR, and SEM of raw materials of LID, CFX, and EFX provided information useful for the evaluation, differentiation, and qualification of raw materials. Finally, the HPLC method was proved to be useful for evaluation of raw material and finished products, besides satisfying the need for an analytical method that allows simultaneous determination of EFX, CFX, and LID, which can also be extended to other matrices and applications.

BACKGROUND: Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester that has been exploited for a variety of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering. The incorporation of b-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) into PLA has imparted bioactivity to the polymeric matrix. METHODS: We have modified a 90%PLA-10%TCP composite with SiO2 and MgO (1, 5 and 10 wt%), separately, to further enhance the material bioactivity. Filaments were prepared by extrusion, and scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing technology associated with fused filament fabrication. RESULTS: The PLA-TCP-SiO2 composites presented similar structural, thermal, and rheological properties to control PLA and PLA-TCP. In contrast, the PLA-TCP-MgO composites displayed absence of crystallinity, lower polymericmolecular weight, accelerated degradation ratio, and decreased viscosity within the 3D printing shear rate range. SiO2 andMgO particles were homogeneously dispersed within the PLA and their incorporation increased the roughness and protein adsorption of the scaffold, compared to a PLA-TCP scaffold. This favorable surface modification promoted cell prolif-eration, suggesting that SiO2 and MgO may have potential for enhancing the bio-integration of scaffolds in tissueengineering applications. However, high loads of MgO accelerated the polymeric degradation, leading to an acid environment that imparted the composite biocompatibility. The presence of SiO2 stimulated mesenchymal stem cells differentiation towards osteoblast; enhancing extracellular matrix mineralization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bonerelated genes expression. CONCLUSION The PLA-10%TCP-10%SiO2 composite presented the most promising results, especially for bone tissue regeneration, due to its intense osteogenic behavior. PLA-10%TCP-10%SiO2 could be used as an alternative implant forbone tissue engineering application.