PCR-RLFP characterization of Leishmania spp. in domestic animals from the south-western border of Brazil.

The aim of this study was to characterize Leishmania spp. from canine and feline samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). It was conducted in the southern region of Brazil, located at border crossings to Argentina and Uruguay.

Risk and protective factors of Leishmaniasis in the rural area of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Background: The Leishmaniases are on the top of the global list of tropical neglected diseases. The number of infected dogs in South America is estimated in millions and correlated to disease cases in humans, especially in Brazil. Equines may get infected too and can play a role in the epidemiological chain.

Evaluation of Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves and Roots from Yacon ().

Yacon is an Andean plant that has been used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties. The beneficial effects of this plant are possibly due to the high content of phenolic compounds present in its leaves and roots. This study evaluated the toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and roots from yacon (1, 10, 50, and 100 g/mL) through cell viability tests, genotoxic and mutagenic activity in leukocytes culture cells; and cytotoxicity and apoptosis cell death (1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 g/mL) in cell line originally established from the primary mouse embryonic fibroblast cells that were cultured by the designated protocol, so-called 3T3 protocol "3-day transfer, inoculum 3 × 10 cells" (3T3 cell line).

Gamma-hexalactone flavoring causes DNA lesion and modulates cytokines secretion at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

Background: The γ-hexalactone is a flavoring agent for alcoholic beverages, teas, breads, dairy products, coffees, buttery products among others. It presents low molecular weight and exhibits sweet fruity aroma with nuances of nuts. As far as we know, both literature and government regulations have gaps regarding the safe use of the γ-hexalactone.

Assessment of Leishmania infantum infection in equine populations in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area.

Background: Leishmaniosis, zoonosis that produces significant public health impacts, is caused by Leishmania infantum. Canines are the main domestic reservoir and, besides humans, other species of mammals could be infected when living in endemic areas. In this study, we detected equine Leishmania infantum infections in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area and evaluated the clinical, haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress disorders.

Molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in Brazilian cross-border south region mammalian hosts.

Visceral leishmaniasis is an endemic zoonotic disease identified especially in developing territories. Brazil's northeast, southeast and midwest have been endemic for several years; currently, the infection is spreading to the south. Dogs are the main reservoirs; however, other mammal species have also been infected.

Novel Acaricidal Drug Fluazuron Causes Immunotoxicity via Selective Depletion of Lymphocytes T CD8.

Fluazuron is one of the newest veterinary antitick medicines. Belonging to the benzoylphenylureas group, its mechanism of action acts by the interference of the formation of the chitin of the tick, which is responsible for the hardening of its exoskeletons. In addition to taking care of the health of the animal so that it receives the medication in the doses and the correct form, it is important to analyze the safety of the operator.

Golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) as a bioindicator in aquatic environments contaminated with mercury: Cytotoxic and genotoxic aspects.

This study evaluated the Limnoperna fortunei (golden mussel) as a bioindicator of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in aquatic environments contaminated by heavy metals. Five groups of 50 subjects each were exposed to different concentration of mercuric chloride (HgCl) (0.001 mg/L, group I; 0.

Is tartrazine really safe? and toxicological studies in human leukocytes: a question of dose.

The use of food colorings has a long-recorded history. Tartrazine (TRZ) is a dye that confers a lemon-yellow color to food and is widely used in the manufacture of numerous food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, few studies have addressed the toxicology of TRZ in human cells or tissues.

Evaluation of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Euphorbia tirucalli (Euphorbiaceae) in cell cultures of human leukocytes.

Euphorbia tirucalli (L.), commonly known as aveloz, has been indiscriminately used in popular medicine to treat various illnesses. However, some components can have devastating consequences.

Oxidative stress and labile plasmatic iron in anemic patients following blood therapy.

Aim: To determine the plasmatic iron content and evaluate the oxidative stress (OS) markers in subjects receiving blood therapy.

Methods: Thirty-nine individuals with unspecified anemia receiving blood transfusions and 15 healthy subjects were included in the study. Anemic subjects were divided into three subgrouP: (1) those that received up to five blood transfusions (n = 14); (2) those that received from five to ten transfusions (n = 11); and (3) those that received more than ten transfusions (n = 14).