A utilização da moxabustão como terapia na cicatrização por segunda intenção em cães: Relato de dois casos / The use of moxibustion as a healing therapy by secondary intention in dogs: report of two cases

A terapia com moxabustão envolve combustão de uma mistura de ervas, composta predominantemente por Artemisia vulgaris. Pode ser aplicada em diversas patologias sendo de grande utilidade para cicatrização de tecidos. O objetivo deste artigo foi abordar o uso da moxabustão em dois cães com feridas contaminadas, em que os tratamentos foram destinados a promover a cicatrização por segunda intenção. É descrito o caso de uma cadela da raça pastor-alemão com deiscência de pontos (caso 1) e o de uma cadela sem raça definida com ferida traumática por mordedura (caso 2). Nos dois casos, o tratamento com a moxabustão, modalidade da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC), foi efetivo no tratamento das feridas por segunda intenção, melhorando os aspectos de oxigenação, circulação e revitalização de tecidos. Após dois anos no caso 1, o tecido apresenta-se pigmentado e alopécico; no caso 2, a epiderme encontra-se queratinizada, uniforme e com presença de pelos, em menor dimensão há tecido pigmentado.(AU)

Moxibustion therapy involves burning a mixture of herbs, consisting predominantly of Artemisia vulgaris. It can be applied in several pathologies and is very useful for tissue healing. The aim of this article was to present the use of Moxibustion in two dogs with contaminated wounds, whose treatment aimed to achieve healing by second intention. It is presented the case of a German Shepherd dog with dehiscence of points (case 1) and one of a mixed breed dog with traumatic wound by bite (case 2). In both cases, the treatment with Moxibustion, a modality of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of wounds by secondary intention, improving aspects of oxygenation, circulation and tissue revitalization. After two years in case 1 the tissue is pigmented and alopecic; in case 2 the epidermis is keratinized, uniform and with the presence of hairs, in a smaller dimension there is pigmented tissue.(AU)

Medicina Tradicional Chinesa como tratamento integrativo para afecções em coluna vertebral em pequenos animais / Traditional Chinese Medicine as an integrative treatment for spinal infections in small animals

O uso da medicina tradicional chinesa no controle da dor em animais tem sido muito adotado principalmente em casos de doença do disco intervertebral em cães. Algumas das modalidades utilizadas da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa são: a moxaterapia, farmacopuntura, medicina herbal, acupuntura e eletroacupuntura, podendo ser utilizadas em conjunto obtendo efeitos sinérgicos, ou isoladamente. Vários investigações e relatos especialmente em eletroacupuntura, acupuntura e farmacoacupuntura têm demonstrado que essas técnicas podem ser utilizadas auxiliando na recuperação mais rápida, ajudando no controle de dor e na recuperação neurológica.(AU)

Immunomodulatory effects of Blaps rynchopetera extract

Purpose: To explore the potential immunomodulatory effects of total extract and different polar parts from Blaps rynchopetera Fairmaire. Methods: Phagocytic activity was evaluated by neutral red assay, and the effect of the immune function was investigated by normal and immunocompromised mice models. Results: In vitro, total extract, as well as chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions could individually enhance the phagocytic ability of mouse peritoneal macrophages; in addition, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions had an increasing tendency when combined stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) could enhance the immune organ index, increase the serum hemolysin level and peripheral blood immune cells of immunocompromised mice, while for normal mice, the effect was inconspicuous. Conclusions: Blaps rynchopetera extracts had noteworthy immunomodulatory effect, especially for individuals with immune disorders.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Th17 cells differentiation

Purpose: Tanshinone IIA is a well-known lipophilic active constituent refined from traditional Chinese medicines, danshen. It has been previously demonstrated to possess various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, promoting angiogenesis effect and so on. However, the mechanism of tanshinone IIA on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of tanshinone IIA on MI/RI. Methods: MI/RI rat models were set up. Echocardiographic evaluation and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to analyze the cardiac function and morphology of MI/RI. Western blot was conducted for the detection of protein expression of pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 in heart tissues. Flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used for the detection of proinflammatory cytokines and Th17 cells differentiation. Results: We found that tanshinone IIA alleviated the myocardial damage of MI/RI, ameliorated the overall and local inflammatory reaction, and produced a cardioprotective effect by inhibiting of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Th17/Treg cells differentiation. Conclusions: Our results highlighted the cardio-protective effect of tanshinone IIA on MI/RI and uncovered its underlying mechanism related to the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition and the modulation of Th17/Treg cells differentiation.

The neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli in traumatic brain injury rats by anti-apoptosis mechanism

Purpose: To explore the neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli (LTKL) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and detect the related mechanism. Methods: TBI model was established with LTKL administration (2 and 4 g/kg/d, p.o.). Motor function of rats was examined by Rotarod test. Nissl staining was used to show neuron morphology. Furthermore, the disease-medicine common targets were obtained with the network pharmacology and analyzed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Lastly, the predicted targets were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: After LTKL administration, neural behavior was significantly improved, and the number of spared neurons in brain was largely increased. Moreover, 68 bioactive compounds were identified, corresponding to 148 LTKL targets; 2,855 genes were closely associated with TBI, of which 87 overlapped with the LTKL targets and were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Functional enrichment analysis suggested LTKL exerted its pharmacological effects in TBI by modulating multiple pathways including apoptosis, inflammation, etc. Lastly, we found LTKL administration could increase the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of Bax and caspase-3. Conclusions: This study reported the neuroprotective effect of LTKL against TBI is accompanied with anti-apoptosis mechanism, which provides a scientific explanation for the clinical application of LTKL in the treatment of TBI.

Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used in Lingchuan county, Shanxi, China / Investigação etnobotânica de plantas medicinais usadas no condado de Lingchuan, Shanxi, China

Medicinal plants are the primary sources of healthcare among the people of developing countries in villages and local towns. Documenting and reporting the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants may contribute to pharmaceutical research development. For this reason, we present our findings on ethnomedicinal plants from Lingchuan County, Shanxi, China, an unexplored area rich in medicinal plant resources. Information of ethnomedicinal plants were collected through questionnaire/semi-structured interviews from 180 informants, including traditional healers. Field surveys were conducted in 53 villages of Lingchuan County from 2017 to 2018. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before conducting the interview process. Quantitative analysis was performed for each recorded species, such as Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), and Factor of Informant Consensus (FIC). Diseases were categorized into twelve groups. A total 138 species of medicinal plants were recorded, belonging to 123 genera of 58 families. Asteraceae was the dominant plant family with 19 species, followed by Rosaceae and Fabaceae. Herbs were dominant among plant life-forms with 96 species, followed by shrubs and trees (15 species each). Roots were the most commonly used plant parts with 58 species, followed by whole plants and fruits (28 species each). Most plant species were reported non-toxic (84, 60%), followed by unknown toxicity (35, 25%), poisonous, and less toxic (19, 14%). Quantitative analysis revealed that Forsythia suspensa was with higher (0.33) RFC value, and Scutellaria baicalensis was recorded with a higher (0.91) UV. Treated diseases were categorized in 12 groups and evaluated by their FIC value, in which gynecological diseases have higher (0.93) FIC value followed by urinary system diseases. Most medicinal plants are used to clear away heat and relieve the surface. The present study revealed that local people of Lingchuan County confidently use ethnomedicinal plants for their healthcare needs. The higher indices value of a plant species resulted from quantitative analysis warrants further investigation, which may possess valuable phytochemical compounds that may result in new drugs for treating various human disorders.

As plantas medicinais são as principais fontes de cuidados de saúde entre as pessoas dos países em desenvolvimento, nas aldeias e cidades locais. É importante documentar e relatar o conhecimento tradicional de plantas medicinais, dado que pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa farmacêutica. Por esta razão, apresentamos neste estudo nossas descobertas sobre plantas etnomedicinais do condado de Lingchuan, Shanxi, China, uma área inexplorada e rica em recursos de plantas medicinais. As informações sobre as plantas etnomedicinais foram coletadas por meio de questionário/entrevista semiestruturada com 180 participantes, incluindo curandeiros. As pesquisas de campo foram realizadas em 53 aldeias do condado de Lingchuan, entre 2017 e 2018. O consentimento informado foi obtido de cada participante antes de conduzir o processo de entrevista. Foi realizada uma análise quantitativa de cada espécie registrada, através da Frequência Relativa de Citação (RFC), Valor de Uso (UV) e Fator de Consenso dos Informantes (FCI). As doenças foram categorizadas em doze grupos. Foram registradas 138 espécies de plantas medicinais, pertencentes a 123 gêneros de 58 famílias. Asteraceae foi a família de plantas dominante, totalizando 19 espécies, seguida pelas famílias Rosaceae e Fabaceae. As ervas foram consideradas como as principais formas de vida vegetal usadas, com 96 espécies, seguidas por arbustos e árvores (15 espécies cada). As raízes foram as partes de plantas mais utilizadas com 58 espécies, seguidas de plantas inteiras e frutos (28 espécies cada). A maioria das espécies relatadas foram estabelecidas como não tóxicas (84, 60%), seguida de plantas com toxicidade desconhecida (35, 25%), venenosas e menos tóxicas (19, 14%). A análise quantitativa revelou que a espécie Forsythia suspensa alcançou o maior (0,33) valor de RFC, e a Scutellaria baicalensis obteve o maior (0,91) valor de UV registrado. As doenças tratadas foram categorizadas em 12 grupos e avaliadas pelos seus respectivos valores de FCI, onde as doenças ginecológicas apresentaram maior (0,93) valor de FCI, seguido pelas doenças do sistema urinário. Foi concluído que a maioria das plantas medicinais são usadas para amenizar calores e alívio tópico. O presente estudo revelou que a população local do condado de Lingchuan confia no uso de plantas etnomedicinais para lidar com seus problemas de saúde. Seria válido aprofundar as investigações relativas aos índices mais altos obtidos nas análises quantitativas das espécies analisadas, visto que podem possuir compostos fitoquímicos valiosos que podem resultar em novos medicamentos para o tratamento de diversas doenças humanas.

Identification of SCAR markers for genetic authentication of Dendrobium nobile Lindl / Identificação de marcadores SCAR para autenticação genética de Dendrobium nobile Lindl

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is an orcid plant with important medicinal values. This is a colourful houseplant, and also a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The variants of this plant from different geographic regions might be high, and in this study, we aimed to develop specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for the identification of specific variant of this plant. Different cultivars of D. nobile were collected from nine different places of China, and one cultivar from Myanmar. DNA materials were extracted from the plant samples, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were developed, cloned and sequenced for the development of SCAR markers. We have developed four SCAR markers, which are specific to the cultivar from Luzhou China, and clearly distinguishable (genetically) from other cultivars. These SCAR markers are deposited in GenBank (accession number MZ417502, MZ484089, MZ417504 and MZ417505). Four SCAR markers for D. nobile are effective molecular technique to genetically identify the different cultivars or species, and this method is applicable for genetic characterization and identification of other plant species too.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. é uma orquídea com importantes valores medicinais. Esta é uma colorida planta doméstica e também uma erva popular na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC). As variantes desta planta de diferentes regiões geográficas podem ser altas, e neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi desenvolver marcadores de região amplificada de sequência caracterizada (in English, Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR)) para a identificação de variante específica desta planta. Diferentes cultivares de D. nobile foram coletadas de nove locais diferentes da China e uma cultivar de Mianmar. Materiais de DNA foram extraídos das amostras de plantas, em que a Amplificação Aleatória de DNA Polimórfico (in English, Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA (RAPD)) foi desenvolvida, clonada e sequenciada para o desenvolvimento de marcadores SCAR. Desenvolvemos quatro marcadores SCAR, que são específicos para a cultivar de Luzhou na China e claramente distinguíveis (geneticamente) de outras cultivares. Esses marcadores SCAR estão depositados no GenBank (números de acesso MZ417502, MZ484089, MZ417504 e MZ417505). Quatro marcadores SCAR para D. nobile compreendem técnicas moleculares eficazes para identificar geneticamente as diferentes cultivares ou espécies, e este método é aplicável para caracterização genética e identificação de outras espécies de plantas também.

Integrative approach to a patient following rumenotomy - case report / [Abordagem integrativa ao paciente submetido à ruminotomia - relato de caso]

Concern with antimicrobial resistance in animal production systems increases the interest toward integrative therapies. The objective of the present report was to report an integrative approach to a goat undergoing rumenotomy. A goat with ruminal acidosis underwent rumenotomy, corrective rumen suture, moxibustion, and treatment of the surgical wound (TFO) with sugar. In the first twenty days, acupuncture was performed on ST36, indirect moxibustion on Sp6 and CV8, and TFO with antibiotic ointment and sugar. The wound contracted 2cm, there was gradual return of ruminal dynamics, and moderate pain. Acupuncture continued from D21 to D50 on Yin tang, BL13, BL20, BL23, and BL22. Although there was drainage of ruminal fluid, the wound contracted 4cm during this period, pain was absent, and ruminal dynamics normal. During the last thirty days, the acupuncture technique surround the dragon was used and BL13 point needled, with complete closure of the wound. The TFO from D21 was performed solely with sugar. During treatment, there was modulation of the inflammatory response, with formation of granulation tissue and neovascularization. On D84, fibrinogen was 100mg/dL. The authors conclude that the use of sugar, acupuncture, and moxibustion contributed to return of normal ruminal motility, wound contraction, and complete tissue reepithelization.(AU)

A preocupação com a resistência antimicrobiana nos sistemas de produção animal aumenta o interesse pelas terapias integrativas. Objetiva-se relatar a abordagem integrativa ao paciente caprino submetido à ruminotomia. Uma cabra com acidose ruminal foi submetida à ruminotomia, ruminorrafia, moxabustão, acupuntura e tratamento da ferida operatória (TFO) com açúcar. Nos primeiros vinte dias realizou-se acupuntura em ST36, moxa indireta em Sp6 e CV8, TFO com pomada antibiótica e açúcar. A ferida contraiu 2cm, houve retorno gradual da dinâmica ruminal e dor moderada. A acupuntura continuou de D21 a D50 em Yin tang, BL13, BL20, BL23 e BL22. Apesar da ferida drenar fluido ruminal teve contração de 4cm nesse período, ausência de dor e retorno fisiológico da dinâmica ruminal. Nos últimos trinta dias foi realizada a técnica de acupuntura cercar o dragão e punturou-se o ponto BL13, com fechamento completo da ferida. O TFO a partir do D21 foi realizado somente com açúcar. Durante tratamento houve modulação da resposta inflamatória com formação de tecido de granulação e neoangiogênesse, o D84 revelou fibrinogênio 100mg/dL. Conclui-se que a utilização do açúcar, acupuntura e moxabustão contribuíram para o retorno fisiológico da motilidade ruminal, contração da ferida e completa reepitelização tecidual.(AU)

O uso da acupuntura no trauma crânio encefálico relato de caso

O trauma cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma emergência com altos índices de morte, pode acarretar sequelas motoras e o prognóstico depende da rapidez no tratamento. A Medicina Tradicional Chinesa é usada no tratamento de animais há milhares de anos e a acupuntura atua no sistema nervoso estimulando o mecanismo de compensação e equilíbrio agindo sobre a dor, liberando opioides endógenos que auxiliam na recuperação de sequelas e melhoram a expectativa de vida. Foi atendido um felino, vítima de TCE causado por atropelamento de moto. Realizou-se o tratamento com acupuntura apresentando melhora considerável do quadro.(AU)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an emergency with high death rates, can lead to motor sequelae and prognosis depends on the speed of treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used in the treatment of animals for thousands of years and acupuncture acts on the nervous system by stimulating the mechanism of compensation and balance by acting on pain, releasing endogenous opioids that aid in the recovery of sequelae and improve life expectancy. A feline victim of TBI was treated for a motorcycle hit-and-run. Acupuncture treatment was performed, with considerable improvement of the condition.(AU)

O uso da acupuntura no trauma crânio encefálico relato de caso

O trauma cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma emergência com altos índices de morte, pode acarretar sequelas motoras e o prognóstico depende da rapidez no tratamento. A Medicina Tradicional Chinesa é usada no tratamento de animais há milhares de anos e a acupuntura atua no sistema nervoso estimulando o mecanismo de compensação e equilíbrio agindo sobre a dor, liberando opioides endógenos que auxiliam na recuperação de sequelas e melhoram a expectativa de vida. Foi atendido um felino, vítima de TCE causado por atropelamento de moto. Realizou-se o tratamento com acupuntura apresentando melhora considerável do quadro.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an emergency with high death rates, can lead to motor sequelae and prognosis depends on the speed of treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used in the treatment of animals for thousands of years and acupuncture acts on the nervous system by stimulating the mechanism of compensation and balance by acting on pain, releasing endogenous opioids that aid in the recovery of sequelae and improve life expectancy. A feline victim of TBI was treated for a motorcycle hit-and-run. Acupuncture treatment was performed, with considerable improvement of the condition.

The donkey skin trade: a growing global problem / O comércio de peles de jumento: um problema global em crescimento

Growing demand for ejiao ­ gelatin produced from donkey skin and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine ­ is putting global donkey populations at risk and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people that depend on them in lower and middle-income countries. Hundreds of thousands of donkeys are slaughtered for their skins and exported annually, mostly from Africa to China. However, the trade is spreading across the globe, including Brazil. This article highlights the appalling welfare conditions for donkeys caught up in both the legal and illegal trade, as well as the effects on vulnerable people and the potential for disease spread and hazards to human health.(AU)

A crescente demanda por ejiao ­ uma gelatina produzida a partir da pele de jumento e usada na medicina tradicional chinesa ­ está colocando em risco as populações globais de jumentos e ameaçando a subsistência de milhões de pessoas que dependem delas em países de renda média e baixa. Centenas de milhares de jumentos são abatidos para obter suas peles e exportados anualmente, principalmente da África para a China. No entanto, o comércio está se espalhando pelo globo, inclusive para o Brasil. Este artigo destaca as péssimas condições de bem-estar para os jumentos apanhados no comércio legal e ilegal, bem como os efeitos sobre as pessoas vulneráveis e o potencial de propagação de doenças e riscos para a saúde humana.(AU)

The donkey skin trade: a growing global problem / O comércio de peles de jumento: um problema global em crescimento

Growing demand for ejiao ­ gelatin produced from donkey skin and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine ­ is putting global donkey populations at risk and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people that depend on them in lower and middle-income countries. Hundreds of thousands of donkeys are slaughtered for their skins and exported annually, mostly from Africa to China. However, the trade is spreading across the globe, including Brazil. This article highlights the appalling welfare conditions for donkeys caught up in both the legal and illegal trade, as well as the effects on vulnerable people and the potential for disease spread and hazards to human health.(AU)

A crescente demanda por ejiao ­ uma gelatina produzida a partir da pele de jumento e usada na medicina tradicional chinesa ­ está colocando em risco as populações globais de jumentos e ameaçando a subsistência de milhões de pessoas que dependem delas em países de renda média e baixa. Centenas de milhares de jumentos são abatidos para obter suas peles e exportados anualmente, principalmente da África para a China. No entanto, o comércio está se espalhando pelo globo, inclusive para o Brasil. Este artigo destaca as péssimas condições de bem-estar para os jumentos apanhados no comércio legal e ilegal, bem como os efeitos sobre as pessoas vulneráveis e o potencial de propagação de doenças e riscos para a saúde humana.(AU)

Brazilian donkey slaughter and exports from 2002 to 2019 / Abate e exportação de jumentos no Brasil de 2002 a 2019

The international demand for donkeys has increased sharply in recent years, motivated by China's growing interest in producing ejiao (a traditional medicine made from donkey skin) and, in a smaller proportion, donkey meat. Since the Chinese donkey population dropped by 75.4% in the past 25 years, the country has searched for supply in the international market, mainly in Africa and South America. Aiming to understand the participation of Brazil in this scenario, this paper presents and discusses official data on donkey slaughter and donkey meat and skin exports in Brazil from 2002 to 2019. After the recent news reports of donkey trade-related mistreatment in the Brazilian Northeast, the issue has attracted attention from public authorities, the media, and civil society, but it lacked a quantitative description that could give a tangible dimension to the situation. The interpretation of these data is made with the collaboration of qualitative research methods, emphasizing some aspects of human-animal relations.(AU)

A demanda internacional por jumentos vem aumentando drasticamente nos últimos anos, motivada pelo crescente interesse da China em produzir ejiao (medicamento tradicional feito a partir da pele do animal) e, em menor proporção, carne de jumento. Devido à redução de 75,4% na população de jumentos chineses nos últimos 25 anos, o país tem buscado se abastecer no mercado internacional, principalmente na África e na América do Sul. Com o objetivo de compreender a participação do Brasil neste cenário, este artigo apresenta e discute dados oficiais sobre abate de jumentos e exportação de carne e pele de jumentos no Brasil, de 2002 a 2019. Após a recente divulgação de notícias sobre maus-tratos relacionados ao comércio de jumentos no Nordeste do Brasil, o assunto tem atraído a atenção do poder público, da mídia e da sociedade civil, mas ainda carecia de uma descrição quantitativa que pudesse fornecer uma dimensão tangível à situação. A interpretação desses dados é feita com a colaboração de métodos de pesquisa qualitativa, enfatizando algumas facetas das relações humano-animais.(AU)

Brazilian donkey slaughter and exports from 2002 to 2019 / Abate e exportação de jumentos no Brasil de 2002 a 2019

The international demand for donkeys has increased sharply in recent years, motivated by China's growing interest in producing ejiao (a traditional medicine made from donkey skin) and, in a smaller proportion, donkey meat. Since the Chinese donkey population dropped by 75.4% in the past 25 years, the country has searched for supply in the international market, mainly in Africa and South America. Aiming to understand the participation of Brazil in this scenario, this paper presents and discusses official data on donkey slaughter and donkey meat and skin exports in Brazil from 2002 to 2019. After the recent news reports of donkey trade-related mistreatment in the Brazilian Northeast, the issue has attracted attention from public authorities, the media, and civil society, but it lacked a quantitative description that could give a tangible dimension to the situation. The interpretation of these data is made with the collaboration of qualitative research methods, emphasizing some aspects of human-animal relations.(AU)

A demanda internacional por jumentos vem aumentando drasticamente nos últimos anos, motivada pelo crescente interesse da China em produzir ejiao (medicamento tradicional feito a partir da pele do animal) e, em menor proporção, carne de jumento. Devido à redução de 75,4% na população de jumentos chineses nos últimos 25 anos, o país tem buscado se abastecer no mercado internacional, principalmente na África e na América do Sul. Com o objetivo de compreender a participação do Brasil neste cenário, este artigo apresenta e discute dados oficiais sobre abate de jumentos e exportação de carne e pele de jumentos no Brasil, de 2002 a 2019. Após a recente divulgação de notícias sobre maus-tratos relacionados ao comércio de jumentos no Nordeste do Brasil, o assunto tem atraído a atenção do poder público, da mídia e da sociedade civil, mas ainda carecia de uma descrição quantitativa que pudesse fornecer uma dimensão tangível à situação. A interpretação desses dados é feita com a colaboração de métodos de pesquisa qualitativa, enfatizando algumas facetas das relações humano-animais.(AU)

Donkey skin trade: is it sustainable to slaughter donkeys for their skin? / Comércio de pele de jumentos: é sustentável abater jumentos para o uso de sua pele?

Donkeys (Equus asinus) face a global crisis. The health, welfare, and even survival of donkeys are being compromised as the demand for their skins increases. It is driven by the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy believed by some to have medicinal properties. It is estimated that the ejiao industry currently requires approximately 4.8 million donkey skins per year. Since there is no productive chain for donkey skin production outside of China, the activity is extractive and has resulted in the decimation of donkeys. Gestation is 12 months in donkeys, increasing the risk of extinction if such practices are not controlled. In this scenario, the donkeys are collected (purchased for low prices, stolen, and collected from the side of the roads) and are then often transported for long distances, usually without water, food, or rest. The trade, in Brazil, poses significant biosecurity risks, particularly because examinations are rarely conducted and therefore infectious diseases, such as glanders and infectious anemia, remain undetected. Furthermore, in chronic stress situations, the immune system is suppressed, increasing the biosecurity risk, especially because donkeys are a silent carrier of diseases. Rarely there is traceability with animals from different origins being put together in "fake farms", before being delivered to slaughterhouses. The opportunistic strategy of collecting animals, or buying for low prices, keeping them without access to food and veterinary assistance, is what makes this trade profitable. Our experience in donkey welfare and the global skin trade suggest that it will be enormously challenging and cost-prohibitive to run a trade at the standards required to be considered humane, sustainable, and safe. Although donkeys are being blamed for the involvement in road accidents, it is not an ethical solution to maintain this trade as an alternative. Moreover, the ecological role of donkeys in native ecosystems has not been elucidated, and some studies indicate they could even have a positive effect. Regardless of the future the donkeys will have; we must guarantee a life with the least dignity to the animals under our responsibility.(AU)

Os jumentos (Equus asinus) estão enfrentando uma crise global. A saúde, o bem-estar e até a sobrevivência dos jumentos estão sendo comprometidos à medida que a demanda por suas peles aumenta. A atividade é impulsionada pela produção de ejiao, um remédio tradicional chinês que algumas pessoas acreditam possuir propriedades medicinais. Estima-se que a indústria de ejiao demande atualmente cerca de 4,8 milhões de peles de jumento por ano. Uma vez que não existe uma cadeia produtiva fora da China, a atividade é extrativista e resultou na drástica redução das populações. A gestação dos jumentos é de 12 meses, aumentando o risco de extinção se tais práticas não forem controladas. Neste cenário, os jumentos são recolhidos (comprados a preços baixos, roubados e recolhidos à beira das estradas) e são frequentemente transportados para longas distâncias, normalmente sem água, comida ou descanso. O comércio no Brasil apresenta riscos significativos de biossegurança, principalmente porque os exames raramente são realizados e, portanto, doenças infecciosas, como mormo e anemia infecciosa equina, permanecem sem detecção. Além disso, em situações de estresse crônico, o sistema imunológico é suprimido, aumentando o risco de biossegurança, principalmente porque os jumentos são portadores silenciosos de doenças. Raramente há rastreabilidade, e os animais de diferentes origens acabam sendo colocados em "fazendas fantasma", antes de serem entregues aos abatedouros. A estratégia oportunista de coletar animais, ou comprar por preços irrisórios, mantendo-os sem acesso a alimentação e assistência veterinária, é o que torna esse comércio lucrativo. Nossa experiência em bem-estar de jumentos e no comércio global de peles sugere que será extremamente desafiador e com custo proibitivo administrar um comércio dentro dos padrões exigidos para ser considerado humano, sustentável e seguro. Embora os jumentos sejam responsabilizados pelo envolvimento em acidentes rodoviários, não é uma solução ética manter este comércio como uma alternativa. Além disso, o papel ecológico dos jumentos nos ecossistemas nativos não foi elucidado, e alguns estudos indicam que eles podem até ter um efeito positivo. Independentemente do futuro que os jumentos terão, devemos garantir uma vida com o mínimo de dignidade aos animais sob nossa responsabilidade.(AU)

Donkey skin trade: is it sustainable to slaughter donkeys for their skin? / Comércio de pele de jumentos: é sustentável abater jumentos para o uso de sua pele?

Donkeys (Equus asinus) face a global crisis. The health, welfare, and even survival of donkeys are being compromised as the demand for their skins increases. It is driven by the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy believed by some to have medicinal properties. It is estimated that the ejiao industry currently requires approximately 4.8 million donkey skins per year. Since there is no productive chain for donkey skin production outside of China, the activity is extractive and has resulted in the decimation of donkeys. Gestation is 12 months in donkeys, increasing the risk of extinction if such practices are not controlled. In this scenario, the donkeys are collected (purchased for low prices, stolen, and collected from the side of the roads) and are then often transported for long distances, usually without water, food, or rest. The trade, in Brazil, poses significant biosecurity risks, particularly because examinations are rarely conducted and therefore infectious diseases, such as glanders and infectious anemia, remain undetected. Furthermore, in chronic stress situations, the immune system is suppressed, increasing the biosecurity risk, especially because donkeys are a silent carrier of diseases. Rarely there is traceability with animals from different origins being put together in "fake farms", before being delivered to slaughterhouses. The opportunistic strategy of collecting animals, or buying for low prices, keeping them without access to food and veterinary assistance, is what makes this trade profitable. Our experience in donkey welfare and the global skin trade suggest that it will be enormously challenging and cost-prohibitive to run a trade at the standards required to be considered humane, sustainable, and safe. Although donkeys are being blamed for the involvement in road accidents, it is not an ethical solution to maintain this trade as an alternative. Moreover, the ecological role of donkeys in native ecosystems has not been elucidated, and some studies indicate they could even have a positive effect. Regardless of the future the donkeys will have; we must guarantee a life with the least dignity to the animals under our responsibility.(AU)

Os jumentos (Equus asinus) estão enfrentando uma crise global. A saúde, o bem-estar e até a sobrevivência dos jumentos estão sendo comprometidos à medida que a demanda por suas peles aumenta. A atividade é impulsionada pela produção de ejiao, um remédio tradicional chinês que algumas pessoas acreditam possuir propriedades medicinais. Estima-se que a indústria de ejiao demande atualmente cerca de 4,8 milhões de peles de jumento por ano. Uma vez que não existe uma cadeia produtiva fora da China, a atividade é extrativista e resultou na drástica redução das populações. A gestação dos jumentos é de 12 meses, aumentando o risco de extinção se tais práticas não forem controladas. Neste cenário, os jumentos são recolhidos (comprados a preços baixos, roubados e recolhidos à beira das estradas) e são frequentemente transportados para longas distâncias, normalmente sem água, comida ou descanso. O comércio no Brasil apresenta riscos significativos de biossegurança, principalmente porque os exames raramente são realizados e, portanto, doenças infecciosas, como mormo e anemia infecciosa equina, permanecem sem detecção. Além disso, em situações de estresse crônico, o sistema imunológico é suprimido, aumentando o risco de biossegurança, principalmente porque os jumentos são portadores silenciosos de doenças. Raramente há rastreabilidade, e os animais de diferentes origens acabam sendo colocados em "fazendas fantasma", antes de serem entregues aos abatedouros. A estratégia oportunista de coletar animais, ou comprar por preços irrisórios, mantendo-os sem acesso a alimentação e assistência veterinária, é o que torna esse comércio lucrativo. Nossa experiência em bem-estar de jumentos e no comércio global de peles sugere que será extremamente desafiador e com custo proibitivo administrar um comércio dentro dos padrões exigidos para ser considerado humano, sustentável e seguro. Embora os jumentos sejam responsabilizados pelo envolvimento em acidentes rodoviários, não é uma solução ética manter este comércio como uma alternativa. Além disso, o papel ecológico dos jumentos nos ecossistemas nativos não foi elucidado, e alguns estudos indicam que eles podem até ter um efeito positivo. Independentemente do futuro que os jumentos terão, devemos garantir uma vida com o mínimo de dignidade aos animais sob nossa responsabilidade.(AU)

Morphological features of the acupuncture points of bladder meridian in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Background: The acupuncture points are considered a point in the skin of sensitivity to stimulation. The acupuncture meridians represent the communication between acupuncture points and internal organs. The giant anteater (Mirmecophaga tridactyla) is routinely attended in veterinary centers, and is pivotal to know its morphology and therapies such as acupuncture that, probably, can be used in medical practice. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological substrate in regions that correspond to the transposition of acupuncture points of the Bladder Meridian using radiography, ultrasonography, electrical impedance and histology in the giant anteater. Materials, Methods & Results: Seven giant anteaters (six males and one female) were used. The animals were from the Center of Medicine and Research in Wild Animals (CEMPAS), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo. The acupoints of Bladder Meridian evaluated were Bladder 11 (B-11), Bladder 18 (B-18), Bladder 23 (B-23), Bladder 25 (B-25), and Bladder 28 (B-28). The locations of the acupoints were transposed based on the location of these acupuncture points in dogs. Four animals were live and were used for radiographic, ultrasonographic, and electrical impedance analysis. Three animals were died and the fragments of this acupoints were destined to histological routine with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson’s Trichrome stains. The giant anteaters studied had fifteen thoracic vertebrae, three lumbar vertebrae, and five sacral vertebrae fused in a single bone. The acupuncture points were characterized by presence of abundant connective tissue at the superficial and intermuscular level, muscular fascia, and many neurovascular bundles in the dermal layer. These bundles consisted of nerves...

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in detoxification systems of snake venom-induced toxicity

Snakebites remain a major life-threatening event worldwide. It is still difficult to make a positive identification of snake species by clinicians in both Western medicine and Chinese medicine. The main reason for this is a shortage of diagnostic biomarkers and lack of knowledge about pathways of venom-induced toxicity. In traditional Chinese medicine, snakebites are considered to be treated with wind, fire, and wind-fire toxin, but additional studies are required. Methods: Cases of snakebite seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were grouped as follows: fire toxin - including four cases of bites by Agkistrodon acutus and three bites by Trimeresurus stejnegeri - and wind-fire toxin - four cases of bites by vipers and three bites by cobras. Serum protein quantification was performed using LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified from comparison of snakebites of each snake species and healthy controls. The protein interaction network was constructed using STITCH database. Results: Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of 474 unique proteins exhibited protein expression profiles of wind-fire toxins that are distinct from that of fire toxins. Ninety-three DAPs were identified in each snakebite subgroup as compared with healthy control, of which 38 proteins were found to have significantly different expression levels and 55 proteins displayed no expression in one subgroup, by subgroup comparison. GO analysis revealed that the DAPs participated in bicarbonate/oxygen transport and hydrogen peroxide catabolic process, and affected carbon-oxygen lyase activity and heme binding. Thirty DAPs directly or indirectly acted on hydrogen peroxide in the interaction network of proteins and drug compounds. The network was clustered into four groups: lipid metabolism and transport; IGF-mediated growth; oxygen transport; and innate immunity. Conclusions: Our results show that the pathways of snake venom-induced toxicity may form a protein network of antioxidant defense by regulating oxidative stress through interaction with hydrogen peroxide.(AU)

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in detoxification systems of snake venom-induced toxicity

Snakebites remain a major life-threatening event worldwide. It is still difficult to make a positive identification of snake species by clinicians in both Western medicine and Chinese medicine. The main reason for this is a shortage of diagnostic biomarkers and lack of knowledge about pathways of venom-induced toxicity. In traditional Chinese medicine, snakebites are considered to be treated with wind, fire, and wind-fire toxin, but additional studies are required. Methods: Cases of snakebite seen at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were grouped as follows: fire toxin - including four cases of bites by Agkistrodon acutus and three bites by Trimeresurus stejnegeri - and wind-fire toxin - four cases of bites by vipers and three bites by cobras. Serum protein quantification was performed using LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were identified from comparison of snakebites of each snake species and healthy controls. The protein interaction network was constructed using STITCH database. Results: Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of 474 unique proteins exhibited protein expression profiles of wind-fire toxins that are distinct from that of fire toxins. Ninety-three DAPs were identified in each snakebite subgroup as compared with healthy control, of which 38 proteins were found to have significantly different expression levels and 55 proteins displayed no expression in one subgroup, by subgroup comparison. GO analysis revealed that the DAPs participated in bicarbonate/oxygen transport and hydrogen peroxide catabolic process, and affected carbon-oxygen lyase activity and heme binding. Thirty DAPs directly or indirectly acted on hydrogen peroxide in the interaction network of proteins and drug compounds. The network was clustered into four groups: lipid metabolism and transport; IGF-mediated growth; oxygen transport; and innate immunity. Conclusions: Our results show that the pathways of snake venom-induced toxicity may form a protein network of antioxidant defense by regulating oxidative stress through interaction with hydrogen peroxide.(AU)

Bioactive metabolites in of Ginkgo biloba leaves: variations by seasonal, meteorological and soil / Metabólitos bioativos em folhas de Ginkgo biloba: variações sazonais, meteorológicas e do solo

Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple components that contribute to its notable bioactivities. Variations of seasonal, meteorological and planting soil on the phytochemicals contents in G. biloba leaves due to the effects of growth meteorological and soil parameters were investigated in this study. The leaves of G. biloba were collected from different months and place in Zhejiang province, the contents of flavones (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) method. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Comprehensive analysis suggested the proper harvest time for G. biloba was in October of Zhejiang province. The result of correlation analysis with meteorological factors shows that the temperature and precipitation have non-significant effect on the main components of G. biloba. In addition, the type and content (Mn and Zn) of the soil showed significantly effect on the content of flavonoids and terpene lactones. This study enriched the knowledge on the development and utilization value of the G. biloba leaves and was useful for determining the optimal harvest time and growing condition.(AU)

Ginkgo biloba é um fitoterápico tradicional da medicina chinesa que contém vários componentes que contribuem para suas notáveis bioatividades. Variações sazonais, meteorológicos e de plantio do solo sobre os teores fitoquímicos em folhas de G. biloba, devido aos efeitos do crescimento meteorológico e parâmetros do solo, foram investigadas neste estudo. As folhas de G. biloba foram coletadas em diferentes meses e na província de Zhejiang, os teores de flavonas (quercetina, kaempferol e isorhamnetina) e lactonas terpênicas (bilobalida, ginkgolídeos A, B e C) foram quantificados por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e pelo método do detector de dispersão da luz por evaporação. Os métodos estabelecidos foram validados com boa linearidade, precisão, repetibilidade, estabilidade e recuperação. Uma análise abrangente sugeriu que o tempo de colheita adequado para G. biloba foi em outubro na província de Zhejiang. O resultado da análise de correlação com fatores meteorológicos mostra que a temperatura e a precipitação não têm efeito significativo sobre os principais componentes de G. biloba. Além disso, o tipo e composição (Mn e Zn) do solo apresentaram efeito significativo sobre o teor de flavonoides e lactonas terpênicas. Este estudo enriqueceu o conhecimento sobre o valor de desenvolvimento e utilização das folhas de G. biloba e foi útil para determinar o melhor tempo de colheita e condição de crescimento.(AU)