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Abstract In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

Resumo No atual contexto de patógenos fúngicos resistentes emergentes tais como Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis, a descoberta de novos agentes antifúngicos é uma questão urgente. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antifúngico da 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida contra cepas clínicas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis resistentes a fluconazol. A atividade antifúngica da substância foi avaliada in vitro através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), ruptura e inibição da formação de biofilme, ensaios de sorbitol e ergosterol, e associação entre esta molécula e antifúngicos comuns, anfotericina B e fluconazol. O produto teste inibiu todas as cepas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis, com uma CIM variando de 128 a 256 µg.mL-1, e uma CFM de 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. Também inibiu até 92% da formação de biofilme e causou a ruptura de até 87% de biofilme pré-formado. A 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida não promoveu atividade antifúngica pela ligação ao ergosterol da membrana celular fúngica, tampouco danificou a parede celular. Antagonismo foi observado ao combinar esta substância com anfotericina B e fluconazol. A substância exibiu atividade antifúngica significativa ao inibir tanto as células planctônicas quanto o biofilme das cepas resistentes ao fluconazol. Sua combinação com outros antifúngicos deve ser evitada e seu mecanismo de ação deve ser estabelecido.

RESUMO

In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

No atual contexto de patógenos fúngicos resistentes emergentes tais como Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis, a descoberta de novos agentes antifúngicos é uma questão urgente. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antifúngico da 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida contra cepas clínicas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis resistentes a fluconazol. A atividade antifúngica da substância foi avaliada in vitro através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), ruptura e inibição da formação de biofilme, ensaios de sorbitol e ergosterol, e associação entre esta molécula e antifúngicos comuns, anfotericina B e fluconazol. O produto teste inibiu todas as cepas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis, com uma CIM variando de 128 a 256 µg.mL-1, e uma CFM de 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. Também inibiu até 92% da formação de biofilme e causou a ruptura de até 87% de biofilme pré-formado. A 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida não promoveu atividade antifúngica pela ligação ao ergosterol da membrana celular fúngica, tampouco danificou a parede celular. Antagonismo foi observado ao combinar esta substância com anfotericina B e fluconazol. A substância exibiu atividade antifúngica significativa ao inibir tanto as células planctônicas quanto o biofilme das cepas resistentes ao fluconazol. Sua combinação com outros antifúngicos deve ser evitada e seu mecanismo de ação deve ser estabelecido.

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Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128µg/mL and 256 µg/mL and MBC between 256 µg/mL and 512 µg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

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Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128µg/mL and 256 µg/mL and MBC between 256 µg/mL and 512 µg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

As bactérias podem ser a causa inicial de determinadas patologias como também um agente secundário responsável pelo desenvolvimento de complicações como as infecções das lesões por pressão. As lesões por pressão configuram um problema de saúde persistente, principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos, e associadas a infecção por microrganismos oportunistas com resistência antimicrobiana, como por exemplo a Klebisiella pneumoniae, ressaltam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas abordagens antimicrobianas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e antiaderente do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. (orégano) contra cepas da Klebisiella pneumoniae, bem como o efeito da sua associação com antimicrobianos sintéticos. Para isso foram realizadas as análises da Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) em placas de micro diluição. O ensaio da Concentração Mínima de Aderência (CIMA), com tubos de ensaio. Como também, o estudo de associação através do método de disco de infusão contendo ampicilina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino e ceftriaxona. Assim sendo, foi possível obter que o óleo essencial de orégano apresenta atividade antimicrobiana e bactericida, com CIM variando entre 128µg/mL e 256 µg/mL e CBM entre 256 µg/mL e 512 µg/mL, sobre as cepas de K. pneumoniae testadas. Quando utilizado em associação com a ampicilina e gentamicina, o óleo essencial de orégano demonstrou efeito sinérgico para algumas cepas. Portanto, observa-se que o óleo essencial testado pode atuar como um promissor antibacteriano no tratamento de doenças causadas por K. pneumoniae.

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In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

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Several nutritional strategies have been used in beef cattle production in order to increase animal performance and profitability. However, in the past two decades, the increase of consumer preference for functional foods has driven the investigation for improving food via adding functional substances to animal diets. We evaluated the effect of canola oil supplementation associated with vitamin E and selenium on performance, rumen metabolism, carcass traits, meat tenderness, and serum, liver, and meat status of antioxidants in finishing Nellore males. Animals were fed for 106 days in a feedlot and were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two levels of oil in the diet (no inclusion and 3% canola oil, defined as diet without oil inclusion (NO) and effect of oil (OIL), respectively) and two levels of antioxidants in the diet (no inclusion and 2.5 mg of Se/kg of DM + 500 UI of vitamin E/kg of DM, defined as diet without antioxidant inclusion (NA) and effect of the antioxidants (ANT), respectively). DM intake (kg/day) was evaluated daily; performance and serum were analysed at the beginning of the feedlot and every 28 days. Animals were slaughtered and hot carcass weight (kg) was recorded; ruminal fluid and liver samples were collected. At 24 h postmortem, carcass pH was recorded and the Longissimus thoracis was sampled. There was no significant effect of the OIL*ANT interaction (P > 0.05) for any trait evaluated. Bulls fed OIL presented greater final BW (P < 0.01), average daily gain (kg/day; P < 0.01), feed efficiency (P < 0.01), rump fat thickness (P8RF; P < 0.05), and greater tenderness; the ANT diet increased P8RF (P < 0.05). The levels of selenium and vitamin E in serum, liver, and meat were increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ANT. ANT did not change triiodothyronine (T3, ng/mL) and thyroxine (T4, µg/gL) serum concentrations but decreased serum glucose levels. The treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) ruminal parameters or the protozoa population. Our results showed that the inclusion of 3% canola oil in the diet DM increased performance, feed efficiency, carcass fat deposition, and tenderness, with no effect on rumen fermentation and protozoa population of Nellore cattle in a feedlot system. The inclusion of ANT in the cattle diet did not affect performance or rumen parameters. However, the levels of ANT were increased in the serum, liver, and meat, enriching the final product with these compounds.

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The objective of the present study was to evaluate losses, production and polluting potential of the effluent, nutritional value and aerobic stability of silages of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass, in different particle sizes and compaction density in silage. Three theoretical particle sizes (TTP 5; 8 and 12mm) and three compaction densities (DC 550; 600 and 650kg/m3) were evaluated, distributed in a factorial design (3 x 3), with four repetitions. The highest volume of effluent was found in silages with higher compaction densities (600 and 650kg/m3) and lower TTP (5 and 8mm). The highest chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were registered in the treatment with TTP of 5mm and higher DC (600 and 650kg/m3). Greater in vitro digestibility of DM was verified in the silage chopped at 5 and 8mm. There was no break in aerobic stability for 216 hours. Silage with a low compaction density 550kg/m3 and processing with a theoretical particle size of 12mm reduces effluent losses. In general, the nutritional value of Paiaguás grass was not influenced by the treatments. Different particle sizes and compaction density did not change the aerobic stability of silages.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar perdas, produção e potencial poluidor do efluente, valor nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens do capim Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás, em diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação na ensilagem. Foram avaliados três tamanhos teóricos de partícula (TTP 5; 8 e 12mm) e três densidades de compactação (DC 550; 600 e 650kg/m3), distribuídos em arranjo fatorial (3 x 3), com quatro repetições. O maior volume de efluente foi verificado nas silagens com maiores densidades de compactação (600 e 650kg/m3) e menores TTP (5 e 8mm). As maiores demanda química de oxigênio e demanda bioquímica de oxigênio foram registradas no tratamento com TTP de 5mm e nas maiores DC (600 e 650kg/m3). Maior digestibilidade in vitro da MS (média de 57,2%) foi verificada na silagem picada a 5 e 8mm. Não houve quebra da estabilidade aeróbia durante 216 horas. A ensilagem com baixa densidade de compactação (550kg/m3) e o processamento com tamanho teórico de partículas 12mm reduzem as perdas por efluente. O valor nutricional da silagem de capim-paiaguás, em geral, não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. Diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação não alteraram a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens.(AU)

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Dermatophytoses are infections that affect keratinized tissues. Their main etiologic agents are fungi of the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton. The emergence of resistant fungi and the clinical relevance of dermatophytosis have encouraged studies that aim to increase the arsenal of drugs or act on mechanisms that confer multiple drug resistance. This study investigated the modulating activity of terbinafine promoted by dihydrojasmone and terpinolene against Microsporum canis LM 216, Trichophyton interdigitale H6 and T. interdigitale Δmdr2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of test drugs was determined by broth microdilution. The effect of the drugs tested on plasma membrane functionality was analysed. Terbinafine MIC was determined in sub-inhibitory concentrations of monoterpenes. Finally, it was performed an association study with terbinafine and monoterpenes. Dihydrojasmone presented lower MIC values than terpinolene. All fungi were sensitive to terbinafine, starting at 1 µg ml-1 . All tested drugs increased K+ release (P < 0·05), affecting the functionality of the plasma membrane. Dihydrojasmone modulated the sensitivity of all strains against terbinafine, and terpinolene modulated the sensitivity of M. canis LM 216 and T. interdigitale Δmdr2. The monoterpenes and terbinafine drug associations presented synergism. In conclusion, the results suggest that the dihydrojasmone and terpinolene are promising antifungal agents that potentiate the antifungal activity of terbinafine against dermatophytes.

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The BW has been largely used as a selection criterion in genetic selection programmes; however, increases in BW can affect animal metabolism and metabolites. The knowledge of how genetic potential for growth affects the metabolites can give a footprint of growth metabolism. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic potential for post-weaning growth (GG) on performance, carcass traits and serum metabolome of non-castrated Nellore males during the finishing phase. Forty-eight Nellore non-castrated males, with divergent potential for post-weaning growth, were selected and divided into two groups: high potential for post-weaning growth (HG; n = 24) and low potential for post-weaning growth (LG; n = 24). Animals were kept and fed for 90 days where performance and ultrasound carcass traits were evaluated. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of feeding period to analyse serum metabolites concentration. The hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were recorded at slaughter. The feedlot performance and carcass traits were not affected by genetic potential. The HG animals had a lower glucose (P = 0.039), glutamate (P = 0.038), glutamine (P = 0.004), greater betaine (P = 0.039) and pyruvate (P = 0.039) compared to the LG group at the beginning of feedlot. In addition, higher creatine phosphate concentrations were observed at the beginning of feeding period, compared to final, for both groups (P = 0.039). In conclusion, the genetic potential for post-weaning growth does not affect performance and carcass traits during the finishing period. Differences in metabolite concentrations can be better found at the beginning of feedlot, providing a footprint of growth metabolism, but similar metabolite concentration at the end of finishing period.

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The protein nutrition of dairy cows is of great importance because of its direct influence on milk production, reproductive efficiency, and feeding cost. Eight first-lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two contemporary 4 × 4 Latin squares in a 2 × 2 factorial design to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with yeast-derived microbial protein (YMP) as a protein source (0% or 1.5% of dry matter (DM)) and its combination with slow-release urea (SRU; 0% or 0.75% of DM) on DM intake and milk production and composition, as well as blood parameters and nitrogen balance. Each experimental period lasted 28 days, with 21 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection. The diets were formulated to attend the nutritional recommendations of the National Research Council and consisted of 49% forage (47% corn silage and 2% Tifton hay) and 51% concentrate, with 16.8% CP and 1.6 Mcal net energy for lactation/kg DM. For diets without YMP, the inclusion of SRU decreased DM intake, milk production as well as N intake and balance, but did not affect efficiency of production, milk composition or most of blood parameters. On the contrary, for diets with YMP, DM intake and milk production were increased by inclusion of SRU, while minor effects were observed for milk efficiency and composition, blood parameters as well as N intake, excretion and balance. When diets with SRU were compared, the inclusion of YMP increased DM intake, 4% fat-corrected milk, and N intake and balance (P<0.05), with no differences in milk production (kg/day), milk energy, efficiency of milk production or most of the blood parameters. For diets without SRU, YMP inclusion decreased DM intake, milk production, milk energy, N intake, fecal N and N balance (P<0.05), with no effects on milk efficiency and composition, or most of blood parameters. In conclusion, the use of YMP, SRU or both as partial substitutes of soybean meal in the diet of lactating cows has no negative effects on productivity parameters.

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Blood parameters of 18 Nellore steers submitted to high concentrate diet in two sequential feeding regimes (phase 1: restriction and phase 2: ad libitum feeding) were evaluated. In the first phase, steers were fed for 56 days three intake levels of dry mat-ter (ad libitum, 75 g dry matter (DM)/kg metabolic body weight (BW0.75) or 60 g DM/kg BW(0.75). In the second phase, from the 57th day on feed, animals fed 60 g DM/kg BW(0.75) and 75 g DM/kg BW(0.75) were fed ad libitum until the 136th day. In the 8th, 27th, 55th (first phase), 71st, 84th, 112th and 132nd (second phase) day of experimental period, blood samples were collected and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), glucose, plasma ureic nitrogen (PUN) and total protein (TP) were determined. In the first phase IGF-I, T4, glucose and total protein concentration was not different among treat-ments (P>0.05) and there was no interaction between treatment and time (P>0.05). There was an interaction among treatments and time on T3 and plasma ureic nitrogen (P<0.01). In the second phase IGF-I, T3, T4, glucose and total protein concentration was not different among treatments and there was no interaction between treatment and time (P>0.05). For plasma ureic nitrogen concentration there was an interaction among treatments and time (P=0.02). Lower levels of diet intake can be used to improve animal performance in feedlot.(AU)

Foram avaliados parâmetros sanguíneos de 18 novilhos Nelore submetidos a dois regimes sequenciais de alimentação (fase 1: restrição e fase 2: alimento ad libitum) com dieta de alto teor de concentrado. Na primeira fase, os animais foram alimentados por 56 dias em três níveis de ingestão de matéria seca (MS) representando os tratamentos: ad libitum, 75 g MS/kg peso corporal metabólico (PV0,75) e 60 g MS/kg PV(0,75). Na segunda fase, a partir do 57º dia de confinamento, os animais alimentados com 60 g MS/kg PV(0,75) e 75 g MS/kg PV(0,75) receberam alimentação ad libitum até o 136º dia. No 8º, 27º, 55º, primeira fase, e 71º, 84º, 112º e 132º dia de confinamento, segunda fase, foram colhidas amostras de sangue para determinação das concentrações de fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina I (IGF-I), triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4), glicose, nitrogênio ureico plasmático e proteína total. No período de restrição alimentar as concentrações plasmáticas de IGF-I, T4, glicose e proteína total não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) e não houve interação entre tratamento e tempo (P>0,05). Foi observada interação entre tratamento e tempo para a concentração plasmática de T3 e nitrogênio ureico no plasma (P<0,01). No período de alimento ad libitum as concentrações de IGF-I, T3, T4, glicose e proteína total não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos e não houve interação entre tratamento e tempo (P>0,05). Para a concentração de nitrogênio ureico no plasma houve interação entre os fatores tratamentos e tempo (P=0,02). Níveis mais baixos de ingestão de dieta podem ser usados para melhorar o desempenho animal em confinamento.(AU)

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Blood parameters of 18 Nellore steers submitted to high concentrate diet in two sequential feeding regimes (phase 1: restriction and phase 2: ad libitum feeding) were evaluated. In the first phase, steers were fed for 56 days three intake levels of dry mat-ter (ad libitum, 75 g dry matter (DM)/kg metabolic body weight (BW0.75) or 60 g DM/kg BW(0.75). In the second phase, from the 57th day on feed, animals fed 60 g DM/kg BW(0.75) and 75 g DM/kg BW(0.75) were fed ad libitum until the 136th day. In the 8th, 27th, 55th (first phase), 71st, 84th, 112th and 132nd (second phase) day of experimental period, blood samples were collected and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), glucose, plasma ureic nitrogen (PUN) and total protein (TP) were determined. In the first phase IGF-I, T4, glucose and total protein concentration was not different among treat-ments (P>0.05) and there was no interaction between treatment and time (P>0.05). There was an interaction among treatments and time on T3 and plasma ureic nitrogen (P0.05). For plasma ureic nitrogen concentration there was an interaction among treatments and time (P=0.02). Lower levels of diet intake can be used to improve animal performance in feedlot.

Foram avaliados parâmetros sanguíneos de 18 novilhos Nelore submetidos a dois regimes sequenciais de alimentação (fase 1: restrição e fase 2: alimento ad libitum) com dieta de alto teor de concentrado. Na primeira fase, os animais foram alimentados por 56 dias em três níveis de ingestão de matéria seca (MS) representando os tratamentos: ad libitum, 75 g MS/kg peso corporal metabólico (PV0,75) e 60 g MS/kg PV(0,75). Na segunda fase, a partir do 57º dia de confinamento, os animais alimentados com 60 g MS/kg PV(0,75) e 75 g MS/kg PV(0,75) receberam alimentação ad libitum até o 136º dia. No 8º, 27º, 55º, primeira fase, e 71º, 84º, 112º e 132º dia de confinamento, segunda fase, foram colhidas amostras de sangue para determinação das concentrações de fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina I (IGF-I), triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4), glicose, nitrogênio ureico plasmático e proteína total. No período de restrição alimentar as concentrações plasmáticas de IGF-I, T4, glicose e proteína total não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) e não houve interação entre tratamento e tempo (P>0,05). Foi observada interação entre tratamento e tempo para a concentração plasmática de T3 e nitrogênio ureico no plasma (P0,05). Para a concentração de nitrogênio ureico no plasma houve interação entre os fatores tratamentos e tempo (P=0,02). Níveis mais baixos de ingestão de dieta podem ser usados para melhorar o desempenho animal em confinamento.

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This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of four levels of intensification of grazing systems: 1) degraded pasture - DP; 2) irrigated pasture with high stocking rate - IHS; 3) dryland pasture with high stocking rate - DHS; 4) dryland pasture with moderate stocking rate - DMS; on growth, muscle development and meat quality of Nellore steers (271±2.2kg of live body weight - BW; 15months old) during two consecutive periods (17 and 15months). The final BW, the average daily BW gain, the hot carcass weight and the dress percentage were greater (P<0.0001), and the ribeye area tended to be greater (P=0.085), in the intensified systems compared to the degraded system. Animals in all systems presented similar back fat. Muscle development increased with the intensification of the grazing systems and meat quality was not affected.

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Immunocastration (ImC) has been proposed as an animal welfare-friendly alternative to reduce sexual and aggressive behavior and to increase carcass fat deposition with positive effects on meat quality. The ß-adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) are known as repartitioning agents that acts increasing lean tissue deposition. The combined use of these technologies can positively affect meat quality and increase retail cuts yield. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of ImC and ß-AA (zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH)) on retail cuts, bones, and fat trim of feedlot finished Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle. No interaction was observed between sexual condition and diet for any trait. The ImC decreased cold carcass, hindquarter (HQ), forequarter (FQ) and combined brisket, short ribs and flank (BSF) weights. The ImC also showed smaller weights of retail cuts and bones on the HQ and on the FQ than non-castrated (NoC). Fat trim weights did not differ from ImC and NoC. The most of subprimal cuts were heavier in NoC than in ImC. Feeding ß-AA did not affect cold carcass weight; however, animals fed ZH had higher weights of HQ and retail cuts in HQ when compared with RH and control (CO) group, with no differences between RH and CO for both traits. The weights of FQ, BSF, retail cuts in FQ, as well as bones and fat trimmings were not affected by ß-AA. In summary, ImC decreases carcass and retail cut weights, whereas ZH supplementation leads to an improvement in carcass lean tissue and retail cuts.

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BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne disease that causes acute febrile polyarthralgia and arthritis. CHIKV has spread rapidly to the Americas and, in Brazil, autochthonous cases are increasingly been reported. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients who travel to or live in CHIKV endemic areas are under high risk of acquiring the disease. Few data exist regarding the clinical characteristics of CHIKV infections in this population. We report the first case series of CHIKV infection in SOT recipients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 13 cases of CHIKV infection in SOT recipients between January 2016 and December 2016 confirmed by laboratory tests and transplanted in the Renal and Liver Transplant Units of Walter Cantídio University Hospital from Federal University of Ceará. RESULTS: Positive CHIKV serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunoglobulin M) was found in all patients (9 kidney and 4 liver transplant recipients). All of these patients had been living in endemic areas for dengue and CHIKV in the past months before the illness. The mean time between transplantation and CHIKV infection was of 7.2 years. Fever presented in 11 (84.6%) patients and 5 (38.5%) presented with a maculopapular rash. All cases had joint symptoms: 11 (84.6%) with symmetrical and peripheral polyarthralgia/polyarthritis and 2 (15.3%) with monoarthralgia/monoarthritis. Six (46%) patients had a joint complaint that lasted 3 months. Two patients had concomitant positive dengue serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunoglobulin M). There were no cases of complications or deaths. CONCLUSION: SOT with CHIKV infection seems to have a clinical presentation and evolution similar to those seen in the general population, with no apparent damage to the graft.

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Extramedullary noncutaneous plasmacytoma (ENP) is a myeloproliferative disorder of plasma cells that rarely affects cats. This paper describes an ENP case revealed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the mass in the skeletal muscle of an 8-month-old, male, mixed breed cat, which had a nodule in the left hind limb. The rapid immunoassay test confirmed the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The animal necropsy macroscopically showed the nodule came from the semimembranosus muscle. Histopathological examination ratified the cytological findings. Thus, this paper alerts to the existence of plasmacytoma located in the skeletal muscle of feline species. FNAC is a quick and efficient method for diagnosis of ENP.(AU)

O plasmocitoma extramedular (PEM) não cutâneo é um distúrbio mieloproliferativo de plasmócitos que raramente acomete felinos. Este trabalho descreve um caso de PEM no músculo esquelético de um gato, macho, sem raça definida, de oito meses de idade, que apresentava um aumento de volume no membro pélvico esquerdo. A citologia aspirativa por agulha fina (CAAF) da massa revelou tratar-se de PEM. O teste imunoenzimático rápido confirmou a presença do vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Na necropsia do animal, macroscopicamente, percebeu-se que o nódulo era originário do músculo semimembranoso. O exame histopatológico ratificou os achados citológicos. Desta forma, alerta-se para a existência de plasmocitoma com localização em músculo esquelético na espécie felina, sendo a CAAF um método alternativo rápido e eficaz para o seu diagnóstico.(AU)

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