New Vaccine Formulations Containing a Modified Version of the Amastigote 2 Antigen and the Non-Virulent Trypanosoma cruzi CL-14 Strain Are Highly Antigenic and Protective against Leishmania infantum Challenge

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health issue reported as the second illness in mortality among all tropical diseases. Clinical trials have shown that protection against VL is associated with robust T cell responses, especially those producing IFN-gamma. The Leishmania amastigote 2 (A2) protein has been repeatedly described as immunogenic and protective against VL in different animal models; it is recognized by human T cells, and it is also commercially available in a vaccine formulation containing saponin against canine VL. Moving toward a more appropriate formulation for human vaccination, here, we tested a new optimized version of the recombinant protein (rA2), designed for Escherichia coli expression, in combination with adjuvants that have been approved for human use. Moreover, aiming at improving the cellular immune response triggered by rA2, we generated a recombinant live vaccine vector using Trypanosoma cruzi CL-14 non-virulent strain, named CL-14 A2. Mice immunized with respective rA2, adsorbed in Alum/CpG B297, a TLR9 agonist recognized by mice and human homologs, or with the recombinant CL-14 A2 parasites through homologous prime-boost protocol, were evaluated for antigen-specific immune responses and protection against Leishmania infantum promastigote challenge. Immunization with the new rA2/Alum/CpG formulations and CL-14 A2 transgenic vectors elicited stronger cellular immune responses than control groups, as shown by increased levels of IFN-gamma, conferring protection against L. infantum challenge. Interestingly, the use of the wild-type CL-14 alone was enough to boost immunity and confer protection, confirming the previously reported immunogenic potential of this strain. Together, these results support the success of both the newly designed rA2 antigen and the ability of T. cruzi CL-14 to induce strong T cell-mediated immune responses against VL in animal models when used as a live vaccine vector. In conclusion, the vaccination strategies explored here reveal promising alternatives for the development of new rA2 vaccine formulations to be translated human clinical trials

The effects of a high-protein diet and resistance training on organ mass and metabolic profile in rats: Os efeitos de uma dieta rica em proteínas e treinamento de resistência sobre a massa dos órgãos e o perfil metabólico em ratos

A high-protein diet associated or not with strength exercise impacts satiety, fat accumulation, mass gain, changes biochemical and morphological. The study evaluated the association between adipose tissue mass and organs, in addition to the blood biochemical profile of rats fed a high-protein diet (HD) submitted to strength training (RT). Adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups (n=7/each): sedentary-normoprotein (SN-14%), sedentary-hyperprotein (SH-35%), trained-normoprotein (TN-14%), and trained-hyperprotein (TH-35%). RT consisted of 4 sets of 10 water jumps/8 weeks. HD and RT reduced the adiposity index (p<0.001). Regardless of HD, RT increased the mass of the gastrocnemius (p<0.001) and soleus (p=0.01). Heart mass was inversely correlated (p<0.01) with retroperitoneal fat. There was an inverse dependence between the mass of the gastrocnemius and retroperitoneal (p<0.01), omental (p<0.05), subcutaneous inguinal (p<0.01), and visceral adiposity (p<0.05). There was a positive dependence between kidney mass and serum creatinine levels (p<0.001). Liver mass showed a positive dependence (p<0.01) on total cholesterol, HDL-c (p<0.01), and triglycerides (p<0.05). The results showed that isolated HD and associated with RT reduced the visceral adiposity, but did not increase the gastrocnemius and soleus mass. The participation of DH and TR stands out as measures of behavior tendency among the studied variables

Determinação da atividade antimicrobiana do extrato purificado do cogumelo Agaricus blazei cultivado por fermentação em estado sólido

Cogumelos são fungos macroscópicos e por não possuírem clorofila, necessitam absorver nutrientes do ambiente para sobrevivência, utilizando substâncias orgânicas em decomposição para sua nutrição. Alguns cogumelos como o Agaricus blazei tem mostrado seu potencial antimicrobiano frente a bactérias, bolores e algumas doenças, pela ação de compostos bioativos encontrados no micélio e corpo de frutificação. Para um maior aproveitamento destes compostos do basidiocarpo do cogumelo, são necessárias etapas de purificação. Existem muitas formas de purificar um composto, mas as técnicas cromatográficas em geral são preferidas, por sua resolução e recuperação obtidas. Com isso, objetivou-se a extração, purificação por permeação em gel e a análise antimicrobiana do extrato do cogumelo Agaricus blazei, frente ao micro-organismo Staphylococcus aureus. A fim de avaliar a capacidade antimicrobiana do extrato, foram feitas análises de porcentagem de inibição utilizando a metodologia descrita pela NCCLS (2003), as leituras de absorvância dos poços da microplaca com as amostras, foram feitos em leitora de microplacas e após, foram realizados os cálculos de porcentagem de inibição. Os resultados de inibição obtidos foram satisfatórios para 3 frações purificadas do extrato, frente ao micro-organismo estudado, mostrando a eficiência do processo de purificação, visto que a amostra bruta do extrato do cogumelo não apresentou inibição contra o mesmo micro-organismo

Extração e purificação de antimicrobiano do cogumelo Pleurotus sajor-caju

Fungos são divididos em três classes principais, dentre elas os Basidiomycotas, que tem como principal representante fungos macroscópicos, os cogumelos, estes dividemse em espécies tóxicas, alucinógenas e comestíveis. Dentre os comestíveis apresenta-se o Pleurotus sajor-caju de origem asiática, que possui alto valor nutricional e propriedade antimicrobiana. Para extração do agente antimicrobiano utilizou-se o micélio do fungo já desenvolvido, o qual foi submetido à análise antimicrobiana e ao processo de purificação por cromatografia de permeação em gel, em que foram coletadas 11 frações, as quais foram analisadas posteriormente quanto ao seu potencial antimicrobiano através do método de microplacas. Pode-se observar nos resultados que a amostra bruta não obteve ação antimicrobiana, porém, grande parte das frações purificadas apresentaram potencial de inibição, resultando em 84% de inibição sob o Staphylococcus aureus na fração 7 e de 31% de inibição sob Escherichia coli na fração 11. Pode-se observar que a técnica de purificação utilizada foi eficiente, pois obteve-se um aumento significativo na porcentagem de inibição da microbiota testada, evidenciando que provavelmente o composto mais eficaz contra micro-organismos gram-positivos difere em sua composição química do composto inibidor de gram-negativo. Palavra

Infecção natural por Histomonas meleagridis em pavões-indianos (Pavo cristatus)

Background: Histomonas, also known as blackhead, is a protozoan disease caused by Histomonas meleagridis (phylum Parabasalia, class Tritrichomonadea, order Tritrichomonadida, family Dientamoebidae/Protrichomonadinae) and, characterized by enteric and hepatic lesions in several species of domestic and wild gallinaceous. Among the most affected species, turkeys are those with greater morbidity and mortality. Blackhead is the second most important disease caused by protozoa in domestic poultry, affecting especially young birds and causing severe economic losses, with decrease in production, lack of uniformity of lots and costs with treatment and control. Its occurrence must be monitored, especially in large poultry exporting countries, such as Brazil. The aim of this study is to report an outbreak of histomoniasis in Indian peacocksCase: A peacocks group created together with chickens showed clinical signs characterized by apathy, head down and bruised head, eyes closed, anorexia, yellow or pale stools and death. At necropsy, the cecum showed intense thickening of the wall with irregularity in the serous layer and abundant deposit of friable material, amorphous, yellowish color with areas reddish in the lumen with large number of filiform white parasites from 1 to 1.5 cm in length, morphologically compatible with Heterakis gallinarum. The liver showed large and circular, multifocal, whitish areas that extended towards the parenchyma. Histologically, was observed marked transmural typhlitis, severe proliferation of fibroblasts with multifocal neovascularization, histiocytic infiltrate, giant cell enlargement, bacterial myriads, presence of eosinophilic circulars trophozoites, with 6-20 μm in diameter, morphologically compatible with Histomonas meleagridis. These structures were positive in PAS staining. In the liver, a lesion was characterized by aleatory necrotizing hepatitis with abundant macrophagic and heterophilic infiltrate and some lymphocytes, as well as several foci of necrosis associated with numerous parasitis, intralesional, weakly eosinophilic, PAS-positive structures similar to those observed cecum.Discussion: All aspects observed in this outbreak were characteristic of Histomonas meleagridis infection. This protozoal infection occurs predominantly in turkeys, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, however, can affect chickens, chukar partridges, pheasants and peacocks. Histomoniasis occurs after ingestion of nematode eggs present in the feces of birds and earthworms. In addition, to the intestine and liver, there may be systemic parasitism with lesions in other organs such as kidneys, lungs, spleen and cloacal sac. Overcrowding of animals, the creation and use of chickens to hatch peacocks eggs, as well as the poor hygiene conditions were the main risk factors for the development of the disease. Due to the absence of specific clinical signs, the disease can be easily confused with other disorders. macroscopic and microscopic examinations are recommended to assist in confirming the definitive diagnosis of histomoniasis. Thus, it can be said that H. meleagridis may be cause of mortality in peacocks (Pavo cristatus) created in free system in Rio Grande do Sul, State. The diagnosis of this condition should be considered in cases of mortality in exotic bird breeding, especially when created together with most resistant species such as chickens and other poultry

Associations between UCP1 -3826A/G, UCP2 -866G/A, Ala55Val and Ins/Del, and UCP3 -55C/T polymorphisms and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus : case-control study and meta-analysis

Background: Some studies have reported associations between five uncoupling protein (UCP) 1–3 polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, other studies have failed to confirm the associations. This paper describes a casecontrol study and a meta-analysis conducted to attempt to determine whether the following polymorphisms are associated with T2DM: -3826A/G (UCP1); -866G/A, Ala55Val and Ins/Del (UCP2) and -55C/T (UCP3). Methods: The case-control study enrolled 981 T2DM patients and 534 nondiabetic subjects, all of European ancestry. A literature search was run to identify all studies that investigated associations between UCP1–3 polymorphisms and T2DM. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated for allele contrast, additive, recessive, dominant and co-dominant inheritance models. Sensitivity analyses were performed after stratification by ethnicity. Results: In the case-control study the frequencies of the UCP polymorphisms did not differ significantly between T2DM and nondiabetic groups (P.0.05). Twenty-three studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that the Ala55Val polymorphism was associated with T2DM under a dominant model (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57); while the - 55C/T polymorphism was associated with this disease in almost all genetic models: allele contrast (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.02– 1.34), additive (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.01–1.72) and dominant (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.37). However, after stratification by ethnicity, the UCP2 55Val and UCP3 -55C/T alleles remained associated with T2DM only in Asians (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.02– 1.51 and OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.44, respectively; allele contrast model). No significant association of the -3826A/G, -866G/ A and Ins/Del polymorphisms with T2DM was observed. Conclusions: In our case-control study of people with European ancestry we were not able to demonstrate any association between the UCP polymorphisms and T2DM; however, our meta-analysis detected a significant association between the UCP2 Ala55Val and UCP3 -55C/T polymorphisms and increased susceptibility for T2DM in Asian

Roux-en-y gastric bypass improves in short term the clinical-anthropometric parameters and reduces risk for obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases / Bypass gástrico roux-en-y melhora a curto prazo os parâmetros clínico-antropométricos e reduz o risco de doenças cardiometabólicas relacionadas à obesidade

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is the most applied technique in the treatment of severe obesity worldwide. However, its impact on anthropometric parameters and the risk for cardiometabolic diseases in obese patients is uncertain. To evaluate anthropometric clinical parameters and the evolution of risk factors for obesity-related diseases in individuals of both sexes undergoing RYGB. Sixty-nine adults subjects from both sexes submitted to RYGB surgery treatment were divided into 3 groups: G1(<13 months, n=24); G2 (>13 and <25 months, n=21), and G3 (>25 and <37 months, n=24). Sociodemographic and anthropometric information before and after surgery were collected. The abdominal perimeter was used in the classification of cardiometabolic risk and the BMI was used for the risk of obesity-related diseases. Hypotheses were tested by Student's t-test and ANOVA, and the significance level adopted was 5%. The average age was 36.0±10.0 years, with 69.6% being male and 30.4% female. Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference) were higher among women, except for weight loss and percentage of weight loss. There was a difference in weight loss between the sexes in the moments before and after RYGB. There was a decrease in the risk of disease due to obesity and cardiovascular diseases after RYGB. Weight loss and %WL were greater years by year in the short term of 3 years after surgery. RYGB proved to be an effective strategy for both sexes in combating obesity, providing in the short term a significant improvement in clinical-anthropometric parameters and reduction of risk factors for obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) with Bacterial Clinical Stomatitis

Background: Stomatitis is an infectious disease common in serpents and responsible for high mortality rates. It is characterized by the infection of the oral mucosa and neighboring tissues, related to the opportunistic character of bacteria present in the normal microbiota, pathogenic in stressful situations. Few studies have described the profile of sensibility of these agents in serpents of the Brazilian fauna. Therefore, this study has aimed at describing the isolation and identification of the infectious agents involved in the clinic stomatitis in a specimen of green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), and the profile of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.Case: The serpent has been rescued in an urban environment, without previous records and featured erosive injuries in its oral cavity, with the presence of secretion. In a clinical evaluation, it has been assessed that the specimen had erosive injuries in its oral cavity, with hyperemic points in its mucosa and serous secretion. Then the specimen went through a collection of the secretion from its oral cavity for microbiological analysis. Typical colonies of Enterococcus, Citrobacter and Enterobacter were identified by the colony morphology and their typical odor. The results of these tests were able to confirm and identify the Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter spp. and Enterococcus spp. The profile of sensibility to antimicrobials of the isolated microorganisms has been determined through the method of diffusion in the disk of Kirby-Bauer. There was not any sensitive antimicrobial drug for the three agents.Discussion: Immunodepression, malnutrition, and temperatures and humidity outside the animal thermal comfort zone, are predisposing factors for the development of bacterial diseases in reptiles. Little information about pathogen agents affecting constrictor serpents in their native area is available. Most reports on stomatitis in serpents approach cases occurred in captive animals, differently from what has been presented in this case, which is about a free animal rescued when invading an urban area. The bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of the serpent here reported belong to the normal microbiota of the oral cavity of these animals. Notwithstanding, these bacteria may become pathogenic in certain circumstances. Conditions of undernutrition, stress and oral trauma are considered as predisposing factors to the occurrence of stomatitis in serpents, what can be correlated to the occurrence of the disease in this case. The gram-negative agents causing bacterial diseases in serpents are generally resistant to medicines of the most common spectrum used in the clinical routine of wild animals. This way, veterinarians often deal with these diseases in reptiles empirically, using a wide range of antibiotics. This practice might result in the development of resistant bacterial stumps, what stands out due to the potential that resistant bacteria have to generate infections and zoonoses in humans

Análise do Perfil dos Usuários de Academias em Alfenas-MG

A busca de um corpo esteticamente perfeito associado a uma melhora no desempenho físico tem levado muitas pessoas às academias e ao consumo de suplementação alimentar. O objetivo do atual trabalho foi analisar os usuários e não usuários de suplementos alimentares em academias na cidade de Alfenas-MG, em associação à análise do perfil socioeconômico dos mesmos. O total de pessoas pesquisadas foi de 165, excluindo menores de 18 anos e não praticantes das cinco academias pesquisadas. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: usuários (38%) e não usuários (62%) de suplementos alimentares, sendo 62% do sexo masculino e 38% do sexo feminino. A utilização de suplementos alimentares foi mais expressiva no sexo masculino (74%), em indivíduos com ensino superior incompleto (45%) e que fazem atividade física há mais de dois anos (52%). Com relação à satisfação pela própria aparência física, 52% dos usuários não estão satisfeitos, enquanto houve equilíbrio frente aos não usuários. A maioria dos usuários e dos não usuários nega comparar o próprio físico com o do próximo. Dos indivíduos pesquisados, apenas 3,6% afirmaram fazer uso de esteroides anabólicos androgênicos, desses a maioria teve como fonte de indicação os amigos. Foi preponderante o relato que o uso de suplementos alimentares está associado a efeitos colaterais e ao ganho de massa muscular. Conclui-se que há um aumento expressivo da utilização de suplementos e esteroides por parte dos praticantes de academia, dessa forma, deve-se ter uma maior preocupação e controle quanto às consequências e a saúde desses indivíduos. ABSTRACTAnalysis of the profile of the academies users from Alfenas-MGThe search for an esthetically perfect body associated with an improvement in physical performance has led many people to the gyms and to the use of dietary supplementation. The aim of this study was to analyze users and non-users of dietary supplements in gyms in the city of Alfenas-MG, in association with the analysis of the socioeconomic profile of these individuals. The total of people surveyed was 165, excluding people under 18 and not practitioners of the five surveyed academies. The sample was divided into two groups: users (38%) and non-users (62%) of dietary supplements, 62% male and 38% female. The use of dietary supplements was more pronounced in males (74%), in individuals with incomplete higher education (45%) and making physical activity for more than two years (52%). Regarding satisfaction with the own physical appearance, 52% of users are not satisfied, while there was balance front to non-users. Most users and non-users, deny compare the own physical with the other. Of those surveyed, only 3.6% said they make use of anabolic androgenic steroids, these most had as a source of indication friends. Was predominant the report that the use of food supplements is associated with side effects and muscle mass gain. We conclude that there is a significant increase in the use of supplements and steroids by academies practitioners, therefore, should have a greater concern e control about the consequences and health of these individuals