Impact of feeding native Caatinga pasture on the rumen histomorphometry of sheep raised in semi-extensive management.

In the northeastern region of Brazil, sheep and goat farming, encompassing around 20 million animals, is predominantly a subsistence activity. Forage quality plays a crucial role in animal productivity, posing a complex interplay between plant and animal aspects. The Caatinga biome, vital for livestock in the region, serves as a significant source for animal diet through pastures. This study aimed to conduct a histomorphometric evaluation of sheep rumens in a semi-extensive system, comparing those feeding on native Caatinga pastures to those on cultivated pastures. Histological processing followed standard protocols, with morphometry focusing on six viable rumen papillae and the submucosa and muscular layer thickness. Statistical correlation analysis revealed morphological differences in papillae across various rumen regions. Morphometric data indicated no significant difference in papillae area between the groups, with average values in Group A surpassing those in Group B, except for width. This study establishes a morphological and morphometric pattern for rumen regions linked to diet types-native or cultivated. The findings not only enhance understanding of the dietary foundation in the Caatinga's extensive system, but also contribute valuable insights for formulating nutritional strategies to enhance sheep production in the region. This research sheds light on the intricacies of forage-based animal nutrition, particularly in semi-extensive systems, offering a foundation for future studies and practices to optimise livestock management in the northeastern Brazilian context.

Morphology of the small and large intestines of the six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) Linnaeus, 1758.

Euphractus sexcinctus has a diverse diet, so it needs anatomical and habitual features to help it get its meals. Therefore, the objective is to study the morphology of the small and large intestines of the six-banded armadillo (E. sexcinctus). The research was authorized and approved under number 136/16. Six animals, obtained from victims of predatory hunting, were dissected for the research. For the anatomical analysis, the specimens were dissected and photographed. The fragments of each organ were submitted to histological routine to obtain slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue and Masson's trichrome for further analysis. The small intestine has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Histologically, it has the typical four layers of tubular organs. The mucosa is covered by simple cylindrical epithelium with the presence of specializations in the form of microvilli and variation in the number of goblet cells, depending on the portion observed. In the duodenal portion, the presence of the serous layer was not observed. In the jejunal portion, it is possible to observe lymphoid tissue aggregates in the submucosa, which become more evident in the ileum. The large intestine is divided into cecum, colon, and rectum and has the same histological subdivisions as the small intestine, but with some specializations. The presence of simple cylindrical intestinal crypts is clearly observed and the presence of a large number of goblet cells, which increase as it approaches the rectum. In the submucosa of the large intestine, the presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of large numbers of goblet cells, which increase as one approaches the rectum. The presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. The duodenal portion was not observed presence of the serous layer.

Clostridioides difficile: achados epidemiológicos em animais domésticos em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário em ­ Teresina, PI / Clostridioides difficile: epidemiological findings in domestic animals in a University Veterinary Hospital in Teresina, PI

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de Clostridioides difficile e suas toxinas (A/B) nas fezes de animais domésticos de um Hospital Veterinário Universitário de Teresina - PI. A detecção de C. difficile e suas toxinas foi realizada por meio de um ensaio imunoenzimático, denominado C. Diff Quik Chek Complete® (TECHLAB), capaz de detectar antígeno Glutamato Desidrogenase (GDH) e as toxinas A/B produzidas pelo bacilo, realizado em amostras fecais de cães (C. lupus) e e gatos (Felis catus) coletadas entre agosto de 2019 a setembro de 2020. Um total de 54 amostras fecais foram analisadas, das quais 16 foram positivas para C. difficile (29,63%). 68,75% (11/16) pertenciam a caninos, enquanto 31,25% (5/16) a felinos. Amostras diarreicas e não diarreicas foram utilizadas para o estudo e uma maior prevalência do bacilo pôde ser identificada em amostras diarreicas (33%). Nenhuma das amostras apresentou toxinas do patógeno. Os achados deste estudo evidenciam que C.difficile está presente no estado do Piauí. Foi possível identificá-lo em todas as espécies e em amostras diarreicas ou não, demonstrando que essa infecção pode se manifestar de formasintomática e assintomática, levantando a possibilidade de infecção cruzada entre o animal e seu tutor.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Clostridioides difficile and its toxins (A/B) in the feces of domestic animals at a University Veterinary Hospital in Teresina - PI. The detection of C. difficile and its toxins was performed by an immunogenic enzyme, called C. Diff Quik Chek Complete® (TECHLAB), capable of detecting antigen glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and A/B toxins produced by this bacillus, performed in fecal samples of dogs (C. lupus) and cats (Felis catus) collected between August 2019 and September 2020.:54 stools were analyzed, of which 16 were positive for C. difficile (29.63%). 68.75% (11/16) belonged to canines, while 3.25% (5/16) to felines. Diarrheal and non-diarrheal diseases are used for the study and a higher prevalence of bacillus can be identified in diarrheal diseases (33%). None of the samples present pathogen toxins. The results of this study show that C. difficile is present in the state of Piauí. It can be identified in all species and in diarrheal or non-diarrheic samples, demonstrating that this infection can be symptomatic and asymptomatic, giving the possibility of cross-infection between the animal and its owner.

Morphology of the stifle in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831).

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) is a wild rodent of great zootechnical potential, a fact that enables anatomical and morphological studies to support management actions with this animal. In this perspective, this study aimed to describe the anatomy and histology of the agouti stifle joint. Four adult agoutis were used, two females and two males. The animals were submitted to dissection and identification of the structures of the stifle joint. For light microscopy study, samples of the patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments were used. Agouti has a highly congruent patellofemoral joint; elongated patella; medial and lateral fabellae at the proximal insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle; medial and lateral meniscus with lunula; in addition to the presence of the following ligament structures: patellar ligament, cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, meniscofemoral ligament, caudal meniscal ligament of the medial meniscus, and medial and lateral cranial ligaments. The patellar ligament presents bundles of parallel collagen fibers with a straight path and coated fibroblasts; collateral and cruciate ligaments had loose and dense connective tissue, coated fibroblasts and collagen bundle undulations, the latter most expressive in the caudal cruciate ligament. Thus, except for the shape and angulation of the stifle, which allows specific movements, the agouti stifle has structures analogous to that of other rodents and domestic animals.

Structure of the parotid gland in natural infection by Leishmania infantum in Canis familiaris.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a histopathological, morphometric and proteomic study of the parotid gland of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum treated and not treated with Allopurinol. DESIGN: Parotid glands from 14 dogs were used, divided into two groups: untreated and treated with oral allopurinol (20 mg / kg, once daily for 90 days). After adequate dissection, the organs were submitted to histopathological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques, using the monoclonal anti-ß-catenin antibody. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation of treated and untreated groups showed acinar hypertrophy, structural disorganization of the nucleus and cytoplasm. There was an increase in the area and perimeter of the parotid acini in the experimental groups. The immunostaining of the ß-catenin protein in the membrane was severely reduced in the treated and untreated groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Leishmania infantum infection and treatment with Allopurinol alter the tissue structure of the parotid gland in dogs, promoting an increase in the acinar volume and a decrease in the expression of ß-catenin in cell membranes.

Lycopene-Rich Extract from Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Decreases Plasma Triglycerides and Improves Oxidative Stress Biomarkers on Experimentally-Induced Dyslipidemia in Hamsters.

This work assessed the effects of a 28-day treatment with lycopene-rich extract (LRE) from red guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) on the lipid profile and oxidative stress in an experimental model of dyslipidemia. Male hamsters (116.5 ± 2.16 g) were fed with the AIN 93G diet containing casein (20%), coconut fat (13.5%) and cholesterol (0.1%). The animals were divided into four groups: normolipidemic control (standard feed; NC, n = 7); hypercholesterolemic control (HC, n = 7); LRE 25 mg/kg/day (LRE-25, n = 7) and LRE 50 mg/kg/day (LRE-50, n = 9). After treatment, plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), malondialdehyde (MDA-p) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD-e) and the atherogenic index, were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA-h), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-h) levels were assessed. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were also determined. The LRE-25 group presented significantly lower TG levels and atherogenic index than did the HC group (p < 0.05). Both LRE-25 and LRE-50 groups presented lower levels of MDA-p and MPO than did the HC group (p < 0.05). LRE demonstrated a promising effect against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress.

Cellular profile of primary molars with pulp necrosis after treatment with antibiotic paste.

The interradicular region of primary molars is permeated by many foramina, channels and accessories that connect the pulp cavity with the periapical tissues anatomically. Thus, pulp decomposition products or drugs used in endodontic treatment can trigger inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood cell profile of the alveolar region after extraction of primary molars treated with CTZ paste. Forty-eight primary molars were selected with clinical and radiographic signs of extraction. The sample was divided into three groups with 16 teeth each: Group 1-healthy teeth; Group 2-untreated decayed teeth; and Group 3-teeth treated with CTZ paste. Immediately after the extraction, blood from the interface of the tooth socket was collected and smears were performed for further evaluation. The slides were stained by the Fast Panoptic® method and analysed by two previously trained examiners who counted the leucocytes in sets of 100 cells/slide, differentiating them into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The data were analysed statistically by the MANOVA test. The blood samples from Group 2 differed significantly from Group 1 samples for all classes of leucocytes, except basophils, with higher average for lymphocytes (62.56), monocytes (7.81) and eosinophils (2.31). For Group 3, there was a relative difference (P < 0.05) to Group 2, of monocytes and eosinophils values. The blood cellularity interface in the tooth socket of primary teeth treated with CTZ paste is similar to those of healthy, exfoliated teeth and physiologically different from untreated decayed teeth.

Cholesterol-Lowering and Liver-Protective Effects of Cooked and Germinated Mung Beans (Vigna radiata L.).

We investigated the hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective effects of cooked and germinated whole mung beans. Hamsters were fed for 28 days on diets rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, differing only in protein source (20%): casein, cooked whole mung bean, and germinated mung bean. After 28 days, we found reduced plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, increased faecal cholesterol excretion, and reduced levels of asparagine aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the liver. Reduction in hepatic lipid deposition was observed between each of the mung bean groups relative to the casein group. In addition, the animals of the geminated mung bean group showed a lack of inflammatory infiltrate and better vascularisation of the hepatic tissue. Results from this study show significant hypocholesterolemic and liver-protective properties of the mung bean, which are further enhanced after germination.

Histomorphometry of pancreas development in hybrid chicken (Galus galus) embryo and fetus.

The pancreas comprises an important metabolic organ of endocrine and exocrine character that has embryonic origin of rudimentary buds that fuse to form the organ. The present work aims to describe the pancreatic histogenesis of hybrid chick embryos (Gallus gallus). The research was performed in the UFPI, previously approved by the CEUA with protocol no. 040/15. We used 120 fertilized eggs of hybrid chickens kept in an incubator with controlled temperature and humidity. Daily collections of embryos and fetuses were performed from 4 to 21 days of incubation through the anatomical dissection consecutive the euthanasia. The tissues, previously fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde, were submitted to histological processing and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Finally, the mounted slides were analyzed in image software to obtain histomorphometric data, which were submitted to statistical analysis. The pancreas of hybrid chicken embryos originates around the fourth day of incubation with the dorsal and ventral pancreatic bud formation, which are composed by epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These cells differ in exocrine and endocrine cells. Around twelve embryonic days occurs the buds fusion and the immature organ formation that will give continue with the ductal system development, vascularization and compartmentalization of the endocrine and exocrine parts. Until 21st day of incubation it is possible to identify undifferentiated tissue forms which suggesting postnatal histogenesis. The description of pancreas histogenesis using histometric data on hybrid chicken embryos contributes to the clarification of embryonic development and reaffirms the premise that chickens serve as an experimental model for embryonic study of mammals.

Hepatic steatosis in six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758) / Esteatose hepática em tatu-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract The six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) stands out among wild mammals due to the rare occurrence of spontaneous metabolic diseases. When altered, the liver, which is important in metabolism, may trigger a dysfunctional cascade, leading to hepatic steatosis. Here we describe a case of hepatic steatosis in a six-banded armadillo living in captivity. The female specimen was captured and donated to the Federal University of Piaui under SISBIO authorization nº53303. The animal was first referred for a veterinary clinical evaluation, and then euthanized following the ethical standards of the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine. At the start of the dissection, the abdominal cavity was accessed and sections of all ex situ liver lobes, spleen and mandibular lymph node were subjected to routine histological processing; the results were photo documented. The anatomic and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, which we propose is related to an infectious process as a result of the changes observed in the organs of the lymphoid system. This report of fatty liver disease in armadillo suggests an acute infectious process with lymphoid system involvement.

Resumo O tatu-verdadeiro (Euphractus sexcinctus) se destaca entre os mamíferos selvagens devido à rara ocorrência de doenças metabólicas espontâneas. Quando alterado, o fígado, que é importante no metabolismo, pode desencadear uma cascata disfuncional, levando a esteatose hepática. Foi descrito um caso de esteatose hepática em um tatu-verdadeiro vivendo em cativeiro. O espécime feminino foi capturado e doado para a Universidade Federal do Piauí sob a autorização SISBIO nº53303. O animal foi encaminhado para uma avaliação clínica veterinária e, depois, submetido à eutanásia seguindo os padrões éticos do Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária. No início da dissecção, acessou-se a cavidade abdominal e as seções de todos os lóbulos do fígado ex situ, do baço e do linfonodo mandibular foram submetidos ao processamento histológico de rotina. Os resultados foram fotomicrografados e documentados. A análise anatômica e histopatológica confirmou o diagnóstico de esteatose hepática, que está relacionada a um processo infeccioso como resultado das mudanças observadas nos órgãos do sistema linfóide. Este relatório de doença hepática gordurosa no armadillo sugere um processo infeccioso agudo com comprometimento do sistema linfático.

Serum biochemistry in hystricomorpha: agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) during pregnancy / Bioquímica sérica em hystricomorpha: cutia (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, WAGLER, 1831) durante o período gestacional

The aim of this estudy was to establish the levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, bilirubin and glucose during pregnancy in agoutis. Animals: Twelve pregnant agouti from the Center for the Study and Preservation of Wild Animals (CSPWA) of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) were used in this research. After identification of the estrus, the day of the coverage was confirmed by means of vaginal cytology with the visualization of spermatozoa (day zero) and confirmation of pregnancy by ultrasonographic examination after 15 days. Blood samples were collected by lateral saphenous vein puncture after physical restraint, every 10 days until the end of pregnancy, for biochemical analyzes. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the means compared by the Duncan test at 5% probability using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System). The results of the biochemical analysis of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, serum ALT, glucose, AST, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in pregnant agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) did not differ when compared to nonpregnant females. The serum biochemical levels during pregnancy in agoutis, except for calcium and phosphorus, were unchanged compared to those found in the non-pregnant adult animal, as occurs in other species. The changes during pregnancy reflect the physiology and biology of wild species, elucidating information about the biochemical parameters during pregnancy, thus characterizing the animal as a benchmark for comparisons with other species, extolling its importance both for nature conservation and production in capivity.

O estudo objetivou estabelecer os níveis séricos de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, Alanina Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartato Aminotransferase (AST), cálcio, fósforo, ureia, creatinina, bilirrubina e glicose durante a gestação em cutias. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida utilizando-se 12 cutias fêmeas criadas no Núcleo de Estudos, Produção e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Após a identificação do estro, o dia da cobertura foi confirmado por meio de citologia vaginal com a visualização de espermatozoides (dia zero) e confirmação da gestação por exame ultrassonográfico após 15 dias. Confirmada a gestação, foram coletados 03 mL de sangue mediante punção da veia pudenda interna, após contenção física, a cada 10 dias, até o final da gestação. Foi feita a análise de variância para um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com teste de Duncan para comparação das médias a 5% de probabilidade utilizando-se do programa estatístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise bioquímica de proteína total, albumina, globulina, ureia, creatinina, cálcio, fósforo, ALT séricas, glicose, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), bilirrubina total, bilirrubina direta e bilirrubina indireta de cutias gestantes (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) diferem de forma absoluta quando comparados a fêmeas não gestantes. Os níveis bioquímicos séricos durante a gestação em cutias, com exceção do cálcio, fósforo, sofrem alterações comparadas ao animal adulto não prenhe, como ocorre em outras espécies. Os níveis nas cutias gestantes sofrem alterações de acordo com o tempo de gestação, com maiores mudanças no período inicial e final da prenhez. As mudanças durante a gravidez refletem a fisiologia e a biologia da espécie silvestre, elucidando informações sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos durante a gestação, caracterizando o animal como referência para comparações com outras espécies, exaltando a importância tanto para sua conservação quanto para a sua produção em cativeiro.

Morphology of laryngeal cartilage of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Linnaeus, 1758.

Armadillos, Xenarthras representatives, known for adaptability to different ecosystems, own specific morphophysiological characteristics that are not known and deserve to be studied. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of cartilage of the larynx of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Five dead armadillos were donated by the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity (ICMBio-PI) to the Federal University of Piauí. The animals were fixed and dissected for removal of the larynx. The cartilages were identified and described, photodocumented, and schematized. Fragments with about 0.5 cm of each cartilage were collected and submitted to classical histology for Hematoxylin-Eosin coloring. The slides were assembled in enterlan and analyzed under a light microscope. The larynx of the armadillo (D. novemcinctus) is located in the mentonian region, ventral to the esophagus, and due to the total positioning of the tongue in the oral cavity, there is also a cranial cervical position in this species. The larynx has five cartilages, they are: a cricoid, a thyroid, an epiglottis, and two arytenoids. The corniculate process is present; however, the cuneiform process is absent. The epiglottis has a discrete bifurcation at its apex. In all cartilages epithelial variations are observed. The tissues are varied from squamoso stratified to cylindrical pseudostratified, with propria lamina rich in mucoserosas glands. With the exception of epiglottic cartilage, predominantly elastic, the rest are hyaline. The larynx of D. novemcinctus, although the same number of cartilages, differs morphologically and microscopically from the larynx of other species.

Expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas: a literature review.

Gliomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system neoplasm. Astrocytomas are the most prevalent type of glioma and these tumors may be influenced by sex steroid hormones. A literature review for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas was conducted in the PubMed database using the following MeSH terms: "estrogen receptor beta" OR "estrogen receptor alpha" OR "estrogen receptor antagonists" OR "progesterone receptors" OR "astrocytoma" OR "glioma" OR "glioblastoma". Among the 111 articles identified, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. The majority of reports showed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas. Overall, higher tumor grades were associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression and increased progesterone receptor expression.

Expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas: a literature review

Gliomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system neoplasm. Astrocytomas are the most prevalent type of glioma and these tumors may be influenced by sex steroid hormones. A literature review for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas was conducted in the PubMed database using the following MeSH terms: “estrogen receptor beta” OR “estrogen receptor alpha” OR “estrogen receptor antagonists” OR “progesterone receptors” OR “astrocytoma” OR “glioma” OR “glioblastoma”. Among the 111 articles identified, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. The majority of reports showed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas. Overall, higher tumor grades were associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression and increased progesterone receptor expression.

Effect of a gel containing pilocarpine on vaginal atrophy in castrated rats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Carbopol gel formulations containing pilocarpine on the morphology and morphometry of the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. METHODS: Thirty-one female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control Groups I (n=7, rats in persistent estrus; positive controls) and II (n=7, castrated rats, negative controls) and the experimental Groups, III (n=8) and IV (n=9). Persistent estrus (Group I) was achieved with a subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate on the second postnatal day. At 90 days postnatal, rats in Groups II, III and IV were castrated and treated vaginally for 14 days with Carbopol gel (vehicle alone) or Carbopol gel containing 5% and 15% pilocarpine, respectively. Next, all of the animals were euthanized and their vaginas were removed for histological evaluation. A non-parametric test with a weighted linear regression model was used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The morphological evaluation showed maturation of the vaginal epithelium with keratinization in Group I, whereas signs of vaginal atrophy were present in the rats of the other groups. Morphometric examinations showed mean thickness values of the vaginal epithelium of 195.10±12.23 μm, 30.90±1.14 μm, 28.16±2.98 μm and 29.84±2.30 μm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively, with statistically significant differences between Group I and the other three groups (p<0.0001) and no differences between Groups II, III and IV (p=0.0809). CONCLUSION: Topical gel formulations containing pilocarpine had no effect on atrophy of the vaginal epithelium in the castrated female rats.

Saberes Maternos Sobre a Relação da Amamentação Natural e Hábitos Bucais Deletérios / Maternal Knowledge about the Relationship between Breastfeeding and Deleterious Oral Habits

A amamentação é a mais importante ação para o crescimento e desenvolvimento adequados da criança. A Organização Mundial da Saúde recomenda a amamentação natural exclusiva nos seis primeiros meses de vida do bebê. O insucesso da amamentação pode estar ligado à falta de apoio e orientação das mães. Dessa forma, o objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar o conhecimento das mães sobre a influência da amamentação natural no desenvolvimento de hábitos bucais deletérios. Estudo observacional transversal, desenvolvido após análise e aprovação do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa. Foram realizados questionários estruturados, com perguntas abertas e fechadas, dirigidos às mães que procuram atendimento de primeira consulta para seus filhos em uma clínica-escola da cidade de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. O questionário abordou o perfil socioeconômico e a temática da amamentação natural, hábitos deletérios e a sua relação. Observou-se que a grande parcela (92,5%) das mães relatou ter recebido informações sobre amamentação, entretanto a prevalência de hábitos deletérios foi significativa (54,3%). O tempo médio de aleitamento materno exclusivo foi de 4,98 meses, com associação estatisticamente significativa entre o tempo de aleitamento materno exclusivo e o recebimento de informações (p=0,026). Quanto à percepção do seu próprio conhecimento, mais da metade das mães classificaram como regular (48,9%) ou insatisfatório (11,7%) o seu conhecimento sobre a relação da amamentação natural com o desenvolvimento de hábitos bucais deletérios. Não houve impactos do conhecimento das mães sobre amamentação natural no desenvolvimento de hábitos bucais deletérios. AU

Breastfeeding is the most important action for the proper growth and development of children. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. The failure of breastfeeding may be linked to lack of support and guidance of mothers. Thus, the objective of the research was to assess the mothers' knowledge about the influence of natural breastfeeding on the development of deleterious oral habits. Cross-sectional observational study, developed after review and approval by the Ethics and Research Committee. Structured questionnaires were performed with open and closed questions for mothers who seeking care first consultation for their children in a school clinic in the city of Teresina, Piauí state, Brazil. The questionnaire addressed the socioeconomic profile and the theme of natural breastfeeding, deleterious habits and its relationship with. It was observed that a large proportion (92.5%) of mothers reported receiving information on breastfeeding, however the prevalence of deleterious habits was significant (54.3%). The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.98 months, with a statistically significant association between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and receiving information (p = 0.026). As for the perception of their own knowledge, more than a half of the mothers classified as regular (48.9%) or poor (11.7%) their understanding of the relationship of breastfeeding to the development of deleterious oral habits. There was no impact of knowledge of mothers on breastfeeding in the development of deleterious oral habits. AU

Analysis of the Ki-67 index in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats treated with tamoxifen.

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal atrophy and breast cancer are common conditions in postmenopausal women and tamoxifen is the standard endocrine treatment for hormone-sensitive tumors. The present study aimed to assess the effect of tamoxifen on Ki-67 protein expression in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Wistar-Hannover adult, virgin, castrated rats were randomly divided into two groups, group I (control, n=20) and group II (tamoxifen, n=20), receiving 0.5 ml of propylene glycol and 250 µg of tamoxifen diluted in 0.5 ml of propylene glycol, respectively, daily by gavage for 30 days. On the 31st day, the rats were euthanized and their vaginas were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 protein expression. Data were analyzed by the Levene and Student's t tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean index of Ki-67 expression in the rat vagina of groups I and II was 4.04±0.96 and 26.86±2.19, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, tamoxifen, at the dose and treatment length used, induced a significant increase in the cell proliferation of the vaginal mucosa in castrated rats, as evaluated by Ki-67 protein expression.

Evaluation of the in vivo leishmanicidal activity of amphotericin B emulgel: An alternative for the treatment of skin leishmaniasis.

The American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is an infectious disease that can be fatal. The first line of treatment is pentavalent antimonies. However, due to its potential to develop resistance, Amphotericin B (AmB) started to be used as an alternative medicine. Current treatments are limited, a fact that has led to a growing interesting in developing new therapies. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential in vivo of an amphotericin B + oleic acid (OA) emulgel in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an experimental model. Strains of Leishmania major MHOM/IL/80/Friendlin of Leishmania major were used. The animals were inoculated subcutaneously. After the development of leishmanial, nodular or ulcerative lesions, the animals were divided into three groups (control, Group A and Group B) and treated twice a day for twelve days. The weight of the animals was measured and the size of the lesions was observed. A histopathological analysis was performed with skin fragments of lesions and with the spleen of animals treated with different treatments (emulgel, AmB 3% emulgel and AmB 3% plus OA 5% emulgel). It was observed that when subjected to treatment with AmB 3% emulgel during the study period using both formulations, with enhancer and without enhancer, ulcerative lesions regress gradually or even complete cure. The quantification of the average number of parasites recovered from the inoculation site was made after the treatment in each group and the differences were considered significant. The treatment with AmB 3% and OA 5% emulgel had the best in vivo therapeutic response, showing good prospects for cutaneous leishmaniasis therapy as an alternative therapy.

Analysis of the Ki-67 index in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats treated with tamoxifen

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal atrophy and breast cancer are common conditions in postmenopausal women and tamoxifen is the standard endocrine treatment for hormone-sensitive tumors. The present study aimed to assess the effect of tamoxifen on Ki-67 protein expression in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Wistar-Hannover adult, virgin, castrated rats were randomly divided into two groups, group I (control, n=20) and group II (tamoxifen, n=20), receiving 0.5 ml of propylene glycol and 250 µg of tamoxifen diluted in 0.5 ml of propylene glycol, respectively, daily by gavage for 30 days. On the 31st day, the rats were euthanized and their vaginas were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 protein expression. Data were analyzed by the Levene and Student’s t tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean index of Ki-67 expression in the rat vagina of groups I and II was 4.04±0.96 and 26.86±2.19, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, tamoxifen, at the dose and treatment length used, induced a significant increase in the cell proliferation of the vaginal mucosa in castrated rats, as evaluated by Ki-67 protein expression.

Morfologia e morfometria da cérvice uterina de cabras sem raça definida da microrregião de Teresina-Piauí / Morphology and morphometry of the uterine cervice of cross breed goat from micro region of Teresina-Piauí

A criação de caprinos está em ascensão mundial. No Brasil, esta prática tem contribuído bastante na economia, principalmente da região Meio Norte, onde o clima predominante, o semiárido, é favorável à criação destes animais. As cabras sem raça definida (SRD) podem apresentar alterações morfofisiológicas adaptativas para viverem neste ambiente específico. As adaptações podem ocasionar modificações que fogem ao padrão geralmente observado. Na análise macroscópica foram observados trinta úteros de cabras SRD quanto a topografia, morfometria e quantificação dos anéis cervicais uterinos. Das estruturas analisadas, observaram-se diferenças apenas quanto ao número de anéis, quando comparados com outros pequenos ruminantes. A estrutura histológica da cérvice foi analisada em microscopia de luz. Este órgão é composto predominatemente por tecido conjuntivo, apresentando pouco tecido muscular. A luz do colo uterino é revestida por um epitélio pseudoestratificado com células caliciformes. A mucosa endocervical apresenta dobras longitudinais e é repleta de glândulas secretoras de muco. As camadas musculares encontram-se dispostas de forma circular (interna), longitudinal (externa) e com algumas fibras transversais. Assim, as características anatômicas da cérvice uterina de cabras sem raça definida são importantes para uma melhor execução das técnicas de manejo reprodutivo, bem como para biologia destes animais.

Goat farming is steadily increasing worldwide. In Brazil this practice have contributed a lot in the economy, especially the Mid-North region, where the semi-arid prevailing climate is favorable to the creation of these animals. To live in this environment, the cross breed goat may have morpho-physiological adaptive changes, which may cause changes that are beyond the pattern usually observed. Thirty cross breed goat uterus were selected for topographic and morphometric analysis and quantification of uteri cervical rings. In analyzed structures, differences were observed only on the number of rings when compared with others small ruminants. The histological structure of the cervix was examined under light microscopy. This body is predominately composed of connective tissue with little muscle tissue. The light of the cervix is lined by a pseudostratified epithelium with goblet cells. The endocervical mucosa has longitudinal folds and is lined with mucus-secreting glands. Muscle layers are arranged circular (internal), longitudinal (external) and some transverse fibers. Thereby, the anatomical characteristics of the uterine cervix of cross breed goats are important both to the improvement of the reproductive management techniques as to the biology of this animal.