Children's behavioral problems, screen time, and sleep problems' association with negative and positive parenting strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil

Families' health, safety, and economic stability were jeopardized during the pandemic. Parental stress is a risk factor for hostile and less supportive parenting. Parenting styles are a set of attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to parenting that modulate the child's psychosocial functioning and might impact on the adaptability to a stressful time.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the group differences among children raised by negative and positive parenting families during COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We have done an online survey with 329 parents. Parents answer about parenting strategies and styles, children's behavior, Covid related questions, socio-economic information, sleep and gaming disorders.

RESULTS

Parents' frequent use of negative strategies were a risk factor to have a negative outcome related to mental health, games, sleep, and children behavior.

DISCUSSION

Parenting strategies are some targets pointed in this study for intervention. Parents' styles and strategies training to better manage children might be even more important to avoid negative consequences for children in stressful times.

Resource use during systematic review production varies widely: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to map the resource use during systematic review (SR) production and reasons why steps of the SR production are resource intensive to discover where the largest gain in improving efficiency might be possible.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a scoping review. An information specialist searched multiple databases (e.g., Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus) and implemented citation-based and grey literature searching. We employed dual and independent screenings of records at the title/abstract and full-text levels and data extraction.

RESULTS

We included 34 studies. Thirty-two reported on the resource use-mostly time; four described reasons why steps of the review process are resource intensive. Study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal seem to be very resource intensive, while protocol development, literature search, or study retrieval take less time. Project management and administration required a large proportion of SR production time. Lack of experience, domain knowledge, use of collaborative and SR-tailored software, and good communication and management can be reasons why SR steps are resource intensive.

CONCLUSION

Resource use during SR production varies widely. Areas with the largest resource use are administration and project management, study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal of studies.

Griffiths phase and spontaneous exchange bias in La1.5Sr0.5CoMn0.5Fe0.5O6

La_1.5Sr_0.5CoMn_0.5Fe_0.5O₆ (LSCMFO) compound was prepared by solid state reaction and its structural, electronic and magnetic properties were investigated. The material forms in rhombohedral [Formula: see text] structure, and the presence of distinct magnetic interactions leads to the formation of a Griffiths phase above its FM transition temperature (150 K), possibly related to the nucleation of small short-ranged ferromagnetic clusters. At low temperatures, a spin glass-like phase emerges and the system exhibits both the conventional and the spontaneous exchange bias (EB) effects. These results resemble those reported for La_1.5Sr_0.5CoMnO₆ but are discrepant to those found when Fe partially substitutes Co in La_1.5Sr_0.5(Co_1-x Fe _x )MnO₆, for which the EB effect is observed in a much broader temperature range. The unidirectional anisotropy observed for LSCMFO is discussed and compared with those of resembling double-perovskite compounds, being plausibly explained in terms of its structural and electronic properties.

Anticryptococcal activity of hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa Arruda and associated cellular events

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis whose treatment is limited to three drugs. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of a hexane extract (HE) from Spondias tuberosa leaves against Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined, and putative mechanisms were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, an in vivo infection assay was performed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Treatment with HE inhibited the growth of standard and clinical isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii (MICs ranging from 0.78 to 3.12mg/mL), significantly (P<0.05) increased mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, loss of lysosomal membrane integrity, and phosphatidylserine externalization. The mean survival time of C. gattii-infected T. molitor larvae significantly (P<0.05) increased from 1.225 days in control to 3.067 and 3.882 days in HE-treated groups (78 and 156mg/kg, respectively). In conclusion, HE showed anticryptococcal activity, induced mitochondrial and lysosomal damage in yeast cells, and exhibited anti-infective action against C. gattii in T. molitor larvae.

Increased pregnancy rate in beef heifers resynchronized with estradiol at 14 days after TAI

We aimed to evaluate the treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB) or 17β-estradiol (E2) associated with progesterone (P4) for resynchronization of ovulation 14 days after timed artificial insemination (TAI). In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1), Nelore heifers were submitted to TAI (D0). On D14, the animals received an intravaginal P4 device and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (no treatment; n = 17); EB (1  mg EB; n = 17); and E2+P4 (1 mg E2 + 9 mg P4; n = 18). Ultrasonography evaluations were performed daily from D14 to D22 to map follicular and luteal dynamics. On D22, the P4 devices were removed and non-pregnant (NP) animals were determined using corpus luteum blood flow Doppler ultrasonography. In Exp. 2, 1295 beef heifers were resynchronized and randomly allocated to the same experimental groups as described in Exp. 1. On D22, the largest follicle (LF) was measured in NP and a second TAI was performed on D24. In a subset of heifers (n = 337), an estrus detection patch was used between D22 and D24 to monitor estrus expression and the LF was measured at D24. Confirmatory diagnosis of pregnancy was performed between D37-67 and D43-67 after first and second TAI, respectively. In Exp 1, the proportion of heifers with a synchronized follicular wave emergence (from 3 to 5 days after treatment) was greater (P < 0.05) in the EB group (93.8%) than in the control (62.5%) and E2+P4 (64.7%) groups. Structural luteolysis occurred earlier (P < 0.05) in the EB and E2+P4 groups than in the controls. The pregnancy rate after first TAI did not differ (P > 0.1) among the groups at D22 and at confirmatory diagnosis in both experiments. In Exp 2, the potential pregnancy loss between D22 and D37-67 was similar (P > 0.1) in the control (19% [36/185]), EB (15% [28/182]) and E2+P4 (15% [28/184]) groups. The LF diameter (mm) on D22 was greater (P < 0.05) in the control group (11.9 ± 0.1) than in EB (11.3 ± 0.1) and E2+P4 (11.5 ± 0.1). No difference (P > 0.1) was observed in the proportion of heifers detected in estrus, but LF growth rate (mm/day) between D22 and D24 was greater (P < 0.05) in EB group (0.9 ± 0.08) than in control (0.6 ± 0.07) and E2+P4 (0.7 ± 0.09) groups. The pregnancy rate for the second TAI was greater (P < 0.05) in the EB group (47% [94/200]) than in the control (37% [76/203]), but did not differ (P > 0.1) from the E2+P4 group (43% [93/214]). In conclusion, the treatment with 1 mg EB or 1 mg E2 + 9 mg P4 at 14 days post-TAI anticipates luteolysis in NP heifers but does not compromise pregnancy. The EB treatment induces a new synchronized follicle wave emergence and increases the pregnancy rate of resynchronized NP heifers.

Effects of supplements containing different additives on nutritional and productive performance of beef cattle grazing tropical grass

A grazing trial was carried out to evaluate the inclusion of three feed additives in supplements (crude protein, CP 230 g/kg dry matter, DM) on the performance, voluntary intake, and digestibility of beef heifers grazing Brachiaria decumbens (CP 81 and neutral detergent fiber, NDF 615 g/kg DM). Thirty-five Nellore heifers (21 months of age and 383 ± 6.29 kg of body weight, BW) were used in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: no supplement (control); supplement fed at 1 kg/animal/day without additives (S); supplement with monensin (S + M); supplement with yeast culture (S + YC); and supplement with enzyme complex (S + EC). All of the supplemented heifers had greater (P < 0.1) average daily gain (∼0.186 kg/day) compared to the control treatment (0.014 kg/day). Average daily gain and final BW were similar (P > 0.1) among supplemented heifers. Monensin inclusion in the supplement decreased (P < 0.1) forage DM (expressed as g/kg BW) and NDF intake (expressed as kg/day and as g/kg BW). All of the feed additive inclusions decreased (P < 0.1) NDF digestibility. In conclusion, the heifers' performance was improved by concentrate supplementation. However, the inclusion of additives did not enhance this effect.

Microbial Nursery Production of High-Quality Biological Soil Crust Biomass for Restoration of Degraded Dryland Soils

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are slow-growing, phototroph-based microbial assemblages that develop on the topsoils of drylands. Biocrusts help maintain soil fertility and reduce erosion. Because their loss through human activities has negative ecological and environmental health consequences, biocrust restoration is of interest. Active soil inoculation with biocrust microorganisms can be an important tool in this endeavor. We present a culture-independent, two-step process to grow multispecies biocrusts in open greenhouse nursery facilities, based on the inoculation of local soils with local biocrust remnants and incubation under seminatural conditions that maintain the essence of the habitat but lessen its harshness. In each of four U.S. Southwest sites, we tested and deployed combinations of factors that maximized growth (gauged as chlorophyll a content) while minimizing microbial community shifts (assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics), particularly for crust-forming cyanobacteria. Generally, doubling the frequency of natural wetting events, a 60% reduction in sunlight, and inoculation by slurry were optimal. Nutrient addition effects were site specific. In 4 months, our approach yielded crusts of high inoculum quality reared on local soil exposed to locally matched climates, acclimated to desiccation, and containing communities minimally shifted in composition from local ones. Our inoculum contained abundant crust-forming cyanobacteria and no significant numbers of allochthonous phototrophs, and it was sufficient to treat ca. 6,000 m2 of degraded dryland soils at 1 to 5% of the typical crust biomass concentration, having started from a natural crust remnant as small as 6 to 30 cm2 IMPORTANCE: Soil surface crusts can protect dryland soils from erosion, but they are often negatively impacted by human activities. Their degradation causes a loss of fertility, increased production of fugitive dust and intensity of dust storms with associated traffic problems, and provokes general public health hazards. Our results constitute an advance in the quest to actively restore biological soil covers by providing a means to obtain high-quality inoculum within a reasonable time (a few months), thereby allowing land managers to recover essential, but damaged, ecosystem services in a sustainable, self-perpetuating way as provided by biocrust communities.

Differential Responses of Dinitrogen Fixation, Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria and Ammonia Oxidation Reveal a Potential Warming-Induced Imbalance of the N-Cycle in Biological Soil Crusts

N2 fixation and ammonia oxidation (AO) are the two most important processes in the nitrogen (N) cycle of biological soil crusts (BSCs). We studied the short-term response of acetylene reduction assay (ARA) rates, an indicator of potential N2 fixation, and AO rates to temperature (T, -5°C to 35°C) in BSC of different successional stages along the BSC ecological succession and geographic origin (hot Chihuahuan and cooler Great Basin deserts). ARA in all BSCs increased with T until saturation occurred between 15 and 20°C, and declined at 30-35°C. Culture studies using cyanobacteria isolated from these crusts indicated that the saturating effect was traceable to their inability to grow well diazotrophically within the high temperature range. Below saturation, temperature response was exponential, with Q10 significantly different in the two areas (~ 5 for Great Basin BSCs; 2-3 for Chihuahuan BSCs), but similar between the two successional stages. However, in contrast to ARA, AO showed a steady increase to 30-35°C in Great Basin, and Chihuhuan BSCs showed no inhibition at any tested temperature. The T response of AO also differed significantly between Great Basin (Q10 of 4.5-4.8) and Chihuahuan (Q10 of 2.4-2.6) BSCs, but not between successional stages. Response of ARA rates to T did not differ from that of AO in either desert. Thus, while both processes scaled to T in unison until 20°C, they separated to an increasing degree at higher temperature. As future warming is likely to occur in the regions where BSCs are often the dominant living cover, this predicted decoupling is expected to result in higher proportion of nitrates in soil relative to ammonium. As nitrate is more easily lost as leachate or to be reduced to gaseous forms, this could mean a depletion of soil N over large landscapes globally.

Effect of exercise training on ventilatory efficiency in patients with heart disease: a review

The analysis of ventilatory efficiency in cardiopulmonary exercise testing has proven useful for assessing the presence and severity of cardiorespiratory diseases. During exercise, efficient pulmonary gas exchange is characterized by uniform matching of lung ventilation with perfusion. By contrast, mismatching is marked by inefficient pulmonary gas exchange, requiring increased ventilation for a given CO2 production. The etiology of increased and inefficient ventilatory response to exercise in heart disease is multifactorial, involving both peripheral and central mechanisms. Exercise training has been recommended as non-pharmacological treatment for patients with different chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. In this respect, previous studies have reported improvements in ventilatory efficiency after aerobic exercise training in patients with heart disease. Against this background, the primary objective of the present review was to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in abnormal ventilatory response to exercise, with an emphasis on both patients with heart failure syndrome and coronary artery disease. Secondly, special focus was dedicated to the role of aerobic exercise training in improving indices of ventilatory efficiency among these patients, as well as to the underlying mechanisms involved.

Effects of continuous vs interval exercise training on oxygen uptake efficiency slope in patients with coronary artery disease

The oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a submaximal index incorporating cardiovascular, peripheral, and pulmonary factors that determine the ventilatory response to exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous exercise training and interval exercise training on the OUES in patients with coronary artery disease. Thirty-five patients (59.3±1.8 years old; 28 men, 7 women) with coronary artery disease were randomly divided into two groups: continuous exercise training (n=18) and interval exercise training (n=17). All patients performed graded exercise tests with respiratory gas analysis before and 3 months after the exercise-training program to determine ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), respiratory compensation point, and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂). The OUES was assessed based on data from the second minute of exercise until exhaustion by calculating the slope of the linear relation between oxygen uptake and the logarithm of total ventilation. After the interventions, both groups showed increased aerobic fitness (P<0.05). In addition, both the continuous exercise and interval exercise training groups demonstrated an increase in OUES (P<0.05). Significant associations were observed in both groups: 1) continuous exercise training (OUES and peak VO₂ r=0.57; OUES and VO₂ VAT r=0.57); 2) interval exercise training (OUES and peak VO₂ r=0.80; OUES and VO₂ VAT r=0.67). Continuous and interval exercise training resulted in a similar increase in OUES among patients with coronary artery disease. These findings suggest that improvements in OUES among CAD patients after aerobic exercise training may be dependent on peripheral and central mechanisms.

Antibiosis in Soybean Genotypes and the Resistance Levels to Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The southern armyworm (SAW) Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) is one of the most common armyworm species defoliating soybeans. Preliminary screening trials have indicated that some soybean genotypes exhibit resistance to SAW. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the development of SAW larvae fed on ten soybean genotypes in order to identify genotypes with antibiosis-type resistance. Neonate SAW larvae were daily fed with young leaves collected from plants at the vegetative growth stages V4-V5. Larval development and survival were recorded. Genotypes PI 227687 and PI 227682 delayed larval, pupal, and larva-adult development and yielded larvae with the lowest weight and survival and pupae with the lowest weight. Genotypes IAC 100 and DM 339 also negatively affected larval and pupal development and larval survival but at a lower level. Based on our results, the soybean lines PI 227687 and PI 227682 could be used as sources of genes for soybean breeding programs aiming to develop high yield, SAW-resistant cultivars. Moreover, further trials must be carried out under field conditions to validate if the commercial cultivars IAC 100 and DM 339, which expressed moderate levels of antibiosis-type resistance in the laboratory, are effective in suppressing SAW larvae populations.

Grazing behavior and locomotion of young bulls receiving different nutritional plans in a tropical pasture

The objectives of this study were to compare visual observation and an electronic grazing time method and to evaluate the effects of nutritional plans on intake, grazing behavior and horizontal and vertical locomotion of young bulls in a tropical pasture. Thirty-nine Nellore young bulls with an average body weight of 345±9.3 kg kept in pasture were used. The experimental treatments consisted of: restricted: animals kept in a plot with a low mass of forage receiving mineral mixture only; control: animals receiving mineral mixture only; HPHC: a high protein and high carbohydrate supplement; HPLC: a high protein and low carbohydrate supplement; LPHC: a low protein and high carbohydrate supplement; LPLC: a low protein and low carbohydrate supplement. GPS collars equipped with activity sensors were used. Information about head position, latitude, longitude and altitude were recorded. Daytime grazing behavioral patterns monitored by a continuous focal animal recording method was compared to behavior estimated by the activity sensor. Feed intake was estimated by a marker method. The Restricted group presented lower (p<0.05) intake of dry matter and TDN. However, difference in dry matter intake was not found (p>0.05) between non-supplemented and supplemented animals. Difference was not found (p>0.05) in daytime grazing time obtained by visual observation or the activity sensor method. The restricted group showed longer (p<0.05) grazing time (9.58 h/d) than other groups, but difference was not found (p>0.05) in the grazing time between Control (8.35 h/d) and supplemented animals (8.03 h/d). The Restricted group presented lower (p<0.05) horizontal locomotion distance (2,168 m/d) in comparison to other groups (2,580.6 m/d). It can be concluded that the use of activity sensor methods can be recommended due to their being similar to visual observation and able to record 24-h/d. While supplements with high carbohydrates reduce pasture intake, they do not change grazing behavior. Moderate supplementation (until 50% of protein requirement and 30% of energy requirement) of beef cattle on tropical pasture has no effect on daily locomotion.

Morphological variations and sexual dimorphism in Chelonoidis carbonaria (Spix, 1824) and Chelonoidis denticulata (Linnaeus, 1766) (Testudinidae)

Chelonoidis Dcarbonaria and C. denticulata are two tortoises which are widely distributed Brazil. Although they occur sympatrically in different areas, C. carbonaria prefers open areas, while C. denticulata chooses forest areas. Significant morphological variations can be observed in these species due to the fact that they occupy a vast and environmentally diverse area. Data on shell shape of captive individuals reveal important differences between the two species, mainly in the plastron scutes, carapace width, and head length. Variation in shape is greater in C. carbonaria than in C. denticulata, which may be associated to a more elaborate and complex mating ritual. The shell shape in C. denticulata is more elongated than in C. carbonaria due to ecological habits. These aspects lead to a greater restriction in shape, limiting variation and dimorphism. In C. carbonaria, the shell opening is larger than in C. denticulata, which affords greater variation in shape. A more elongated shell facilitates movements of C. denticulata in densely forested areas. Yet, this characteristic reduces shell opening, lessening the possibilities of variation in form.

Novel approach to the semi-empirical universal theory for secondary electron yield

The universal semi-empirical equation has been commonly used to quantitatively describe the energy dependence of the secondary electron yield (SEY). It is even used as a first reliability test for experimental data. The equation is based on the assumption that the stopping power is constant along the electron trajectory. In this article, we derive a novel analytical expression based on a more advanced model which considers linear stopping power dependence on penetration depth. Although coinciding with the universal equation at low energies, the novel function has lower intensity in the higher energy range. The models were compared with experimental SEY data of different metals, taken from literature, as well as freshly cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, measured in the frame of this work. It is confirmed that the novel expression better describes the experimental data.

Quantum dot dipole orientation and excitation efficiency of micropillar modes

The relative intensity of photonic modes in microcavity pillars with embedded self-assembled quantum dots is shown to be a sensitive function of quantum dot dipole orientation and position. This is deduced from a comparison of experiment and calculated intensities of light emission for many nominally identical pillars. We are able to obtain the overall degree of in-plane polarization of the quantum dot ensemble and also to obtain information on the degree of polarization along the growth axis.

Chagas' disease: application of TESA-blot in inconclusive sera from a Brazilian blood bank

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The procedure used for screening Trypanosoma cruzi-infected blood donors by using two serological techniques has frequently led to discordant results. The TESA-blot, a confirmatory test for Chagas' disease, was applied in a survey of inconclusive sera from a Brazilian blood bank.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and forty-eight sera, obtained from blood donors at the HRU-Fundação Hemominas, were tested by using the TESA-blot assay, a Western blotting method. Of these 448 sera, 348 had previously been determined as inconclusive for Chagas' disease owing to discordance between the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The TESA-blot was positive for 2.87% (10/348) of the inconclusive sera, and 100% positive and negative for the sera from chagasic (n=50) and non-chagasic (n=50) donors, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results clearly indicate the need to improve the diagnosis of Chagas' disease in blood banks by using new confirmatory diagnostic test(s). The TESA-blot, a new test with trypomastigote fractions of the T. cruzi Y strain, has made new approaches to the confirmation of Chagas' disease possible.

[Transient ischemic attacks in a patient with superior vena cava obstruction: case report]

The superior vena cava obstruction is a relatively rare condition. We report the case of a 42 year old man suffering of hypertension for about fifteen years. He reported a cervical and thoracic pain for one year, that was related to a 95% of occlusion on the right coronary artery. An angioplasty has been done but the patient still related the thoracic pain. Afterwards the patient had recurrent episodes of right hemiplegia and hypertensive emergencies that have been treated with anti-hypertensive agents. A venous disease was suspected because of cyanosis in the face especially when episodes of transient ischemic attacks occurred. A venography showed obstruction of the right jugular vein near the junction with the superior vena cava. In conclusion, it was not possible to define with certainty the relationship between the two pathologies presented by the patient, even so, we call attention to the improvement of the neurological symptoms after the control of superior vena cava obstruction with the treatment.

Western blot detection of infectious bursal disease virus infection

In order to evaluate the use of a Western blot methodology for the diagnosis of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection, chickens were experimentally infected with IBDV strains and tested for the presence of viral antigens and antibodies by a blocking Western blot test (bWB). The viral proteins obtained from the bursa of Fabricius (BF) were transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the chicken sera obtained by heart puncture were used for the detection of these proteins. In order to eliminate nonspecific reactions, we used a rabbit anti-chicken serum (blocking tool). By the use of the bWB test, two distinct viral proteins of 43-kDa (VP2) and 32-kDa (VP3) were detected. We suggest the use of this methodology for the detection of IBDV infection in animals suspected of having IBDV reinfection and a chronic subclinical form of the disease. With the use of the rabbit anti-chicken sera for blocking, this method is practical, sensitive and less time consuming.

Identification of a novel glucocorticoid response unit (GRU) in the 5'-flanking region of the mouse IL-2 receptor alpha gene

Glucocorticoid hormones inhibit the production of IL-2 and upregulate mouse interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha) gene expression in T cell lines by increasing its transcription rate. Now, the authors have used functional approaches to search for regulatory elements present in the 5'-flanking region of the IL-2Ralpha gene responsible for this effect. An important regulatory region was detected between -1382 and -1100 bp from the transcription initiation site. Within this region the authors characterized two 20 bp long cis-acting regulatory elements, named G1 and G2, which are involved in the modulation of the expression of the IL-2Ralpha gene by glucocorticoids. G1 contains a relatively well-conserved GRE half palindrome site, able to bind a partially purified glucocorticoid receptor but giving rise to an unstable complex. The G2 regulatory element contains no consensus sequences of binding sites for GR nor for any other described transcriptional factors but is able to form complexes with factors present in liver or T cells. Whereas G1 or G2 alone were unable to induce a glucocorticoid-response, the contiguous presence of G1 and G2 gave rise to an efficient response. Therefore, it is postulated that the glucocorticoid-induction of IL-2Ralpha gene is mediated, at least partly, through G1 and G2 elements which constitute a novel multicomponent glucocorticoid response unit (GRU).

Intestinal spirochetosis: first cases reported in Brazil and the use of immunohistochemistry as an aid in histopathological diagnosis

Colonization of the colon and rectum by intestinal spirochetes is detected for the first time in Brazil in 4 of 282 (1.41%) patients who had undergone sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy with a histopathological diagnosis of chronic non specific-colitis. This frequency is probably underestimated, since surgically obtained specimens were not considered in the present study. Histopathological diagnosis was performed using routine stains like hematoxylin-eosin which showed the typical, of 3-microns thick hematoxyphilic fringe on the brush border of the surface epithelium, and by silver stains like the Warthin-Starry stain. Immunohistochemical procedures using two, polyclonal, primary antibodies, one against Treponema pallidum and the other against Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae cross-reacted with spirochetal antigen/s producing a marked contrast of the fringe over the colonic epithelium, preserving the spiral-shaped morphology of the parasite. In one case with marked diarrhea, immunohistochemistry detected spirochetal antigen/s within a cell in an intestinal crypt, thus demonstrating that the infection can be more widely disseminated than suspected using routine stains. Immunohistochemical procedures, thus, greatly facilitate the histological diagnosis of intestinal spirochetosis and may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy performed in one case showed that the spirochete closely resembled the species designated as Brachyspira aalborgi.

Glucocorticoid hormones upregulate interleukin 2 receptor alpha gene expression

We present evidence that glucocorticoid hormones increase expression of IL-2Rec alpha chain on T cells by regulating IL-2Rec alpha gene transcription. We have previously reported that glucocorticoids can upregulate IL-2Rec alpha mRNA and protein expression in some T cell hybrids. In the present study we show that the glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone increases mRNA levels of the endogenous IL-2Rec alpha gene and the expression of plasmids containing 5'-flanking sequences of the IL-2Rec alpha gene linked to CAT reporter genes transiently transfected into different cell lines. We show that the dexamethasone effect depends on cis-acting regulatory elements in a segment (-1835/-802) of the mouse gene that also contains cytokine response elements and a inducible DNase I-hypersensitive site. Dexamethasone responses of IL-2Rec alpha-CAT reporter gene constructs were observed in a CTL line, in an IL-3-dependent bone marrow-derived cell line, and in COS7 monkey kidney cells. In the latter the response depended on cotransfection of a glucocorticoid receptor expression vector. The biological relevance of the glucocorticoid-mediated upregulation of the IL-2Rec alpha gene is discussed.

Morphological alterations of small intestinal epithelium of calves caused by feeding soybean protein

Sixteen male Holstein calves were fed milk replacer (14% solids) containing 23% crude protein from: 100% milk protein; or 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein as the only nutrients at 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12, and 12% body weight from 1 to 7 wk of age, respectively. Eight calves were sensitized to soybean by feeding 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein for 21 d and eight were not sensitized by feeding 100% milk protein. Afterward, each calf received one of the diets for 10 d followed by the other diet for an additional 10 d. During the 2nd wk of the initial period each calf was surgically fitted with a duodenal cannula for biopsy of intestinal mucosa. Biopsies were taken at surgery and on the last day of each period. Feeding 66% soybean protein concentrate plus 34% milk protein resulted in lower body weight gain, decreased feed efficiency, higher rectal temperatures, increased diarrhea, and villus atrophy. Diminished villi size supports other studies reporting allergic reaction to soybean protein and was associated with the poor performance observed in calves fed soybean protein.

Influence of feeding different amounts of milk on performance, health, and absorption capability of baby calves

The influence of feeding high milk on performance, health, and absorption capability of the small intestine was studied in Holstein calves (eight males and eight females). Animals were kept in outdoor hutches bedded with straw. Treatments consisted of two quantities of milk: 1) 4.1 kg of whole milk from 3 to 48 days of age when calves were weaned and 2) gradually increasing milk from 4.1 to 7.0 kg during the first 2 wk of treatment and feeding 7.6 kg per day thereafter until day 42. Milk was reduced gradually during the 7th wk. Intake of milk averaged 4.1 and 6.7 kg per animal per day. Commercial starter, alfalfa hay, and water were offered ad libitum to all calves. Higher milk resulted in larger weight gains (615 versus 538 g/day) and less starter intake. Total dry matter intake, feed efficiency, and scour scores were not different between treatments, but rectal temperatures were greater on high milk. Female calves fed high milk showed less xylose absorption and more days medicated than females fed less milk.

Human interleukin 2: production by both TG cells and other T cells

We have investigated the production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) by human T cells after their stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). T cells isolated by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes produced high levels of IL-2. Further separation of rosette-forming cells, according to the expression of Fc receptors for IgG, showed that TG and non-TG cells are equally able to produce IL-2. The release of IL-2 by TG cells did not require DNA synthesis or functional Rc gamma receptors, since positively selected TH cells produced IL-2, even though they lacked lymphoproliferative responses to PHA and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.