Several models of maternal undernutrition reveal impairment of testicular development and compromise spermatogenesis in male offspring. The expansion of the litter size model, valuable for studying the impact of undernutrition on early development, has not yet been used to evaluate the consequences of early undernutrition in the adult male reproductive system. For this purpose, pups were raised in either normal litter (ten pups/dam) or large litter (LL; sixteen pups/dam). On postnatal day 90, sexual behaviour was evaluated or blood, adipose and reproductive tissues were collected for biochemical, histological and morphological analysis. Adult LL animals were lighter and thinner than controls. They showed increased food intake, but decrease of retroperitoneal white adipose tissue weight, glycaemia after oral glucose overload and plasma concentration of cholesterol. Reproductive organ weights were not altered by undernutrition, but histopathological analysis revealed an increased number of abnormal seminiferous tubules and number of immature spermatids in the tubular lumen of LL animals. These animals also showed reduction in total spermatic reserve and daily sperm production in the testes. Undernutrition decreased the number of Sertoli cells, and testosterone production was increased in the LL group. Mitochondrial activity of spermatozoa remained unchanged between experimental groups, suggesting no significant impact on the energy-related processes associated with sperm function. All animals from both experimental groups were considered sexually competent, with no significant difference in the parameters of sexual behaviour. We conclude that neonatal undernutrition induces histological and physiological testicular changes, without altering sperm quality and sexual behaviour of animals.

The addition of reproductive fluids (RF) to the culture media has shown benefits in different embryonic traits but its long-term effects on the offspring phenotype are still unknown. We aimed to describe such effects in pigs. Blood samples and growth parameters were collected from piglets derived from in vitro-produced embryos (IVP) with or without RF added in the culture media versus those artificially inseminated (AI), from day 0 to month 6 of life. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 45 of life. We show here the first comparative data of the growth of animals produced through different assisted reproductive techniques, demonstrating differences between groups. Overall, there was a tendency to have a larger size at birth and faster growth in animals derived from in vitro fertilization and embryo culture versus AI, although this trend was diminished by the addition of RFs to the culture media. Similarly, small differences in hematological indices and glucose tolerance between animals derived from AI and those derived from IVP, with a sex-dependent effect, tended to fade in the presence of RF. The addition of RF to the culture media could contribute to minimizing the phenotypical differences between the in vitro-derived and AI offspring, particularly in males.

The purpose of the study was to verify the effect of 4 weeks of a high-fructose diet (HFD) associated with aerobic training on the risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Twenty-one young adults were randomised into three groups: HFD (HFD: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day), high-glucose diet (HGD: 1 g/kg body weight of glucose/day) and high-fructose diet and exercise (HFDE: 1 g/kg body weight of fructose/day + 3 weekly 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise). Before and after the 4 weeks of the intervention, blood samples were taken and flow-mediated dilatation, insulin resistance index, pancreatic beta cell functional capacity index, insulin sensitivity index and 24-h blood pressure were evaluated. HFD showed an increase in uric acid concentrations (P = 0·040), and HGD and HFDE groups showed no changes in this outcome between pre- and post-intervention; however, the HFDE group showed increased uric acid concentrations from the middle to the end of the intervention (P = 0·013). In addition, the HFD group showed increases in nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0·022) and nocturnal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0·009). The HGD group exhibited decreases in nocturnal SBP (P = 0·028) and nocturnal DBP (P = 0·031), and the HFDE group showed a decrease in 24-h SBP (P = 0·018). The consumption of 1 g/kg of fructose per day may increase uric acid concentrations and blood pressure in adults. Additionally, aerobic exercises along with fructose consumption attenuate changes in uric acid concentrations and prevent impairment in nocturnal blood pressure.

Regulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily by gonadotrophins in swine follicular cells is not fully understood. This study evaluated the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and members of the TGFβ superfamily in prepubertal gilts allocated to three treatments: 1200 IU eCG at D −3 (eCG); 1200 IU eCG at D −6 plus 500 IU hCG at D −3 (eCG + hCG); and the control, composed of untreated gilts. Blood samples and ovaries were collected at slaughter (D0) and follicular cells were recovered thereafter. Relative gene expression was determined by real-time PCR. Serum progesterone levels were greater in the eCG + hCG group compared with the other groups (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in the expression of BMP15, BMPR1A, BMPR2, FSHR, GDF9, LHCGR and TGFBR1 (P > 0.05). Gilts from the eCG group presented numerically greater mean expression of CYP11A1 mRNA than in the control group that approached statistical significance (P = 0.08) and greater expression of CYP19A1 than in both the eCG and the control groups (P < 0.05). Expression of BMPR1B was lower in the eCG + hCG treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, eCG treatment increased the relative expression of steroidogenic enzymes, whereas treatment with eCG + hCG increased serum progesterone levels. Although most of the evaluated TGFβ members were not regulated after gonadotrophin treatment, the downregulation of BMPR1B observed after treatment with eCG + hCG and suggests a role in luteinization regulation.

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of neuroangiostrongyliasis (manifested as eosinophilic meningitis) in humans. Gastropod molluscs are used as intermediate hosts and rats of various species are definitive hosts of this parasite. In this study, we identified several environmental factors associated with the presence and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in an impoverished urban region in Brazil. We also found that body condition, age and presence of co-infection with other parasite species in urban Rattus norvegicus, as well as environmental factors were associated with the probability and intensity of A. cantonensis infection. The study area was also found to have a moderate prevalence of the nematode in rodents (33% of 168 individuals). Eight species of molluscs (577 individuals) were identified, four of which were positive for A. cantonensis. Our study indicates that the environmental conditions of poor urban areas (presence of running and standing water, sewage, humidity and accumulated rain and accumulation of construction materials) influenced both the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropods, as well as infected rats, contributing to the maintenance of the A. cantonensis transmission cycle in the area. Besides neuroangiostrongyliasis, the presence of these hosts may also contribute to susceptibility to other zoonoses.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus (flu) contribute substantially to the overall burden of severe respiratory tract infection in children. However, the molecular etiological diagnostic methods of viral infection are still insufficiently accessible in public hospitals. Rapid immunochromatographic tests can add important information at the point of care, including antiviral or antibiotic indication, viral , and effective precaution measures to prevent outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate this impact for pediatric patients under 5 years of age in our hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study of clinical outcomes of children under 5 years requiring hospitalization from 2013 to 2018 for viral respiratory disease, and who had positive RSV and/or flu immunochromatographic rapid test results. Results: In total, we identified 221 cases: RSV, 193; flu, 6; codetections, 19. (Table 1). The mortality rate was 1.8% (2 cases), and 88% of our patients were <1 year of age. Variables significantly associated with orotracheal intubation, the most intensive intervention, were younger age in months, comorbidities, RSV and flu codetection, and bacterial pneumonia diagnosis during hospitalization. Conclusions: In the multivariate analysis, RSV and flu codetection was associated with the least favorable clinical prognoses. Rapid test diagnosis may provide important information at the point of care, and molecular panels are not yet widely accessible in public hospitals. Hence, we believe that immunochromatographic rapid tests represent a valuable and feasible diagnostic alternative facilitating timely evaluation and treatment implementation.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None

Medicinal plants have been the focus of several studies due to their nematicide properties which can be used to control nematodes in sheep. No study has examined the morphological effects of Cymbopogon citratus on nematodes. Thus, this study evaluated the chemical composition, nematicidal activity and effects of C. citratus extracts on the morphology of eggs and infective larvae (L3) of sheep. Aqueous and methanolic extracts and fractions of C. citratus were obtained and analysed in vitro. The C. citratus extracts were effective against Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. larvae and eggs. Ten fractions were obtained from C. citratus, six of which had high ovicidal activity at 1000 μg mL−1, and two fractions had high activity at all tested concentrations. The phytochemical analysis identified the presence of compounds such as terpenoids, various ketones, esters, and fatty acids. The ultrastructural analysis showed deformations of the cuticle and wilting along the body of the nematodes at all concentrations. The muscular layer, intestinal cells and the mitochondria profile showed damage compared to the typical pattern. Ultra-thin sections of eggs treated with methanolic fractions of C. citratus presented modifications. This study showed the biological activity and effects of C. citratus on the gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep.

Five new species of Oncholaimellus are described. They were found in macrofauna samples from the continental shelf in the Potiguar Basin, north-east Brazil. Cuticular pores with a sclerotized outline associated with a gland were observed in some species. Oncholaimellus multiporus sp. nov. is differentiated from other species by the presence of cuticular pores of different sizes; the smaller pores are abundant and give an appearance of ornamentation. Oncholaimellus intersexus sp. nov. and O. distortus sp. nov. are similar, but differ in the size of the external labial and cephalic setae compared to the corresponding diameter, the presence of the cuticular pores and the tail shape. Oncholaimellus paulus sp. nov. and O. sineporus sp. nov. are similar, although features such as the external labial and cephalic setae size compared to the corresponding diameter and the cuticular pores differentiate between them.

We describe the incidence rates of home healthcare-associated infections (HHAIs) in a pediatric home healthcare service (PHHCS). The overall incidence density of HHAIs was 11.1 infections per 1,000 patient-days. Average incidence density of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 6.8 per 1,000 ventilator-days. Strategies for control of VAP should be prioritized in PHHCSs.

The seasonality and behaviour of tabanids were studied in the Planalto Serrano of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. From March 2007 to February 2009, a total of 915 tabanid flies from 15 species and six genera were collected on an individual horse. The number of tabanid species varied from zero during autumn/winter to ten in summer (December–February). Dichelacera alcicornis Wied. (62.1%) was the most abundant species followed by Chrysops fusciapex Lutz (6.7%) and C. patricia Pechuman (5.9%). Peak catches occurred during the summer (December–March). The landing behaviour varied by genera: Chrysops (100%) preferred the head, Dichelacera (56.3%) the flanks, and Poecilodera (100%), Acanthocera (100%), Tabanus (58.8%) and Fidena (48.7%) the limbs region. This is the first work on tabanids in the Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Historical science may play an important role in helping understanding and shaping the future of the world's oceans and to comprehend present day effects and conditions. Regarding cetaceans, historical accounts may be extremely useful to add new data to their occurrence and distribution in poorly studied regions. In Portugal, historical sources indicate that toninhas (possibly common dolphins Delphinus delphis) were observed since the 13th Century and were captured in large numbers during the late 19th and 20th Centuries. Historical occurrences given by naturalists and scientific surveys conducted by biologists indicate their regular presence with particular preference for certain areas. Also, recent observations of opportunity resulted in the same kind of accounts. Between 1976 and 1978, a study on captured cetaceans along the Portuguese shore found at fish markets was conducted and resulted in a total count of 45 cetaceans. Most captures were of small cetaceans (87% common dolphins), even though four baleen whales were registered. These cetacean captures were part of a local non-industrial fishery, as they were not the main target, but rather opportunistic catches or even by-catches of other fisheries. Delphinids were not protected by law at the time and were caught with hand harpoons or accidentally drowned in fish nets, sometimes sold at major fish markets such as Sesimbra, Peniche and Póvoa de Varzim. In geographical areas where recent cetacean sightings are rare and information is sparse, such as Portugal, it becomes important to take advantage of alternative sources of data. Our contribution towards the compilation of relevant historical and ‘forgotten’ science such as old natural observations, whaling data and observations of opportunity stresses the relevance of using historical data to access past occurrence and distribution of cetaceans.

In gametophytic self-incompatibility systems, many specificities (different ‘lock-and-key’ combinations) are maintained by frequency-dependent selection for very long evolutionary times. In Solanaceae, trans-specific evolution (the observation that an allele from one species may be more closely related to an allele from another species than to others from the same species) has been taken as an argument for the very old age of specificities. In this work, by determining, for the first time, the age of extant Prunus species, we show that this reasoning cannot be applied to Prunoideae. Furthermore, since our sample size is large (all S-RNase encoding the female component and SFB encoding the male component GenBank sequences), we were able to estimate the age of the oldest Prunus specificities. By doing so, we show that the lower variability levels at the Prunus S-locus, in comparison with Solanaceae, is due to the younger age of Prunus alleles, and not to a difference in silent mutation rates. We show that the ancestor to extant Prunus species harboured at least 102 specificities, in contrast to the maximum of 33 observed in extant Prunus species. Since the number of specificities that can be maintained in a population depends on the effective population size, this observation suggests a bottleneck in Prunus evolutionary history. Loss of specificities may have occurred during this event. Using only information on amino acid sites that determine specificity differences, and a simulation approach, we show that a model that assumes closely related specificities are not preferentially lost during evolution, fails to predict the observed degree of specificity relatedness.