Comet assay to evaluate chromosomal changes in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) contaminated by lead in a city in Bahia.

Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is one of the primary sources of animal protein for the Brazilian population. Thus, the safety of this food is highly relevant. This study was based on the evidence of severe contamination of these animals by metals such as lead in Santo Amaro, Bahia. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate associations between lead levels in blood of chicken exposed to a contaminated area with the occurrence of chromosomal alterations, evidencing genotoxic effects. Serum lead analysis was performed by GF-AAS after dilution with a matrix modifier solution (Triton X-100 0.2% v/v and HNO3 0.1% v/v), while chromosomal damage was evaluated using the comet assay. The results showed genotoxic effects (positive comet assay) only for the specimen sample with higher serum lead concentrations (33.9 µg dL-1), suggesting the occurrence of toxic effects at this level of exposure. This work evaluated a relationship between the reduction of serum lead levels in chicken and increased distance from the primary polluting source - a lead processing plant (COBRAC). It also showed that lead is bioavailable in this territory, contaminating chicken and causing genotoxic effects in these animals, further expanding the concern with the local biota and the health of the residents of Santo Amaro.

Co-relationship between Escherichia coli in broiler cellulitis and liver lesions / Correlação entre a presença de Escherichia coli em lesões de celulite e fígados de frango

Abstract Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli may invade the subcutaneous tissue of poultry and cause cellulitis, whilst the pathogen may also cause lesions in internal organs such as the liver. Current paper co-relates Escherichia coli and virulence genes characteristic of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broilers´ cellulitis and liver lesions. One hundred carcasses were retrieved from the production chain in an avian abattoir in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between August 2013 and January 2014, due to detection of cellulitis lesions. Cellulitis and liver samples were retrieved aseptically to quantify E. coli by Petrifilm™ count fast method (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Virulent genes iss and iutA were removed from E. coli isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli was isolated from 82.0% of broilers removed from the production chain and the bacterium was concomitantly detected in cellulitis and liver lesions in 40.0% of broilers. E. coli counts ranged between 1.00 and 4.73 log CFU/g in liver lesions and between 2.00 and 9.00 log UFC/g in cellulitis lesions. Virulent genes iutA and iss were detected in 97.56% and 89.02% of E. coli isolates, respectively. Genotype analysis demonstrated the concomitant amplification of genes iutA and iss in 60.0% (n=40) of samples of cellulitis and liver lesions in which the simultaneous isolation of E. coli occurred. There was a positive and significant co-relationship (r=0.22; p<0.05) between the variables occurrence of E. coli isolated from liver samples and the occurrence of E. coli isolated from cellulitis lesions. There were also positive and significant co-relationships between populations of E. coli from liver isolates and cellulitis lesions (r=0.46; p<0.05) when E. coli isolated in the liver and in cellulitis lesions was detected. Since results showed a relationship between E. coli in cellulitis and liver lesions and possible systemic infection, the occurrence of cellulitis lesions as a criterion for total discarding of carcass may be suggested.

Resumo Cepas patogênicas de Escherichia coli podem invadir o tecido subcutâneo das aves e provocar celulite aviária e este patógeno pode provocar lesões nos órgãos internos, como o fígado. Desta forma, objetivou-se correlacionar a presença de Escherichia coli e os genes de virulência característicos de Escherichia coli Patogênica para Aves (APEC) nas lesões de celulite e nos fígados dos frangos. Entre agosto de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, foram retiradas 100 carcaças da linha de produção por apresentarem lesões de celulite em um matadouro avícola da Bahia (Brasil). Foram coletadas amostras de celulite e fígados de frango assepticamente para quantificação de E. coli pelo método rápido de contagem Petrifilm™ (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Em seguida foi realizada a pesquisa dos genes de virulência iss e iutA nos isolados de E. coli utilizando a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Escherichia coli foi isolada em 82,00% das aves retiradas da linha de produção e a bactéria foi detectada concomitantemente nas lesões de celulite e fígado em 40,00% das aves. As contagens de E. coli variaram de 1,00 a 4,73 log UFC/g nos fígados e de 2,00 a 9,00 log UFC/g nas lesões de celulite. Os genes de virulência iutA e iss foram encontrados em 97,56% e 89,02% dos isolados de E. coli, respectivamente. A análise genotípica revelou a amplificação concomitante dos genes iutA e iss em 60,00% (n=40) das amostras de lesões de celulite e fígado nas quais houve o isolamento simultâneo de E. coli. Foi observada correlação positiva e significativa (r=0,22; p<0,05) entre as variáveis ocorrência de E. coli isolada das amostras dos fígados e ocorrência E. coli isolada das lesões de celulite e, nos casos em que foi detectada a ocorrência de E. coli isolada em fígado e lesões de celulite, correlações positivas e significativas também foram evidenciadas entre as populações de E. coli dos isolados dos fígados e das lesões de celulite, (r=0,46; p<0,05). Assim ficou evidenciada a relação entre E. coli presente nas lesões de celulite e no fígado e uma possível infecção sistêmica, desta forma, sugere-se que a presença de lesões de celulite seja utilizada como critério para o descarte total da carcaça.

Co-relationship between Escherichia coli in broiler cellulitis and liver lesions.

Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli may invade the subcutaneous tissue of poultry and cause cellulitis, whilst the pathogen may also cause lesions in internal organs such as the liver. Current paper co-relates Escherichia coli and virulence genes characteristic of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broilers´ cellulitis and liver lesions. One hundred carcasses were retrieved from the production chain in an avian abattoir in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between August 2013 and January 2014, due to detection of cellulitis lesions. Cellulitis and liver samples were retrieved aseptically to quantify E. coli by Petrifilm™ count fast method (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Virulent genes iss and iutA were removed from E. coli isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli was isolated from 82.0% of broilers removed from the production chain and the bacterium was concomitantly detected in cellulitis and liver lesions in 40.0% of broilers. E. coli counts ranged between 1.00 and 4.73 log CFU/g in liver lesions and between 2.00 and 9.00 log UFC/g in cellulitis lesions. Virulent genes iutA and iss were detected in 97.56% and 89.02% of E. coli isolates, respectively. Genotype analysis demonstrated the concomitant amplification of genes iutA and iss in 60.0% (n=40) of samples of cellulitis and liver lesions in which the simultaneous isolation of E. coli occurred. There was a positive and significant co-relationship (r=0.22; p<0.05) between the variables occurrence of E. coli isolated from liver samples and the occurrence of E. coli isolated from cellulitis lesions. There were also positive and significant co-relationships between populations of E. coli from liver isolates and cellulitis lesions (r=0.46; p<0.05) when E. coli isolated in the liver and in cellulitis lesions was detected. Since results showed a relationship between E. coli in cellulitis and liver lesions and possible systemic infection, the occurrence of cellulitis lesions as a criterion for total discarding of carcass may be suggested.

Simple analytical method for determining electrical resistivity and sheet resistance using the van der Pauw procedure.

This work reports an analytical method for determining electrical resistivity (ρ) and sheet resistance (RS) of isotropic conductors. The method is compared with previous numerical solutions and available experimental data showing a universal behavior for isotropic conductors. An approximated solution is also reported allowing one to easily determine ρ and RS for samples either with regular or arbitrary shapes.

Valor nutricional do capim-elefante verde colhido em diferentes idades de rebrota / [Nutritional value of fresh elephantgrass harvested at different regrowth ages]

Avaliou-se o valor nutricional do capim-elefante verde colhido aos 56, 84 e 112 dias de idade, por meio do consumo e da digestibilidade em ovinos, da degradabilidade in situ e da cinética da fermentação ruminal. O capim-elefante colhido aos 56 dias proporcionou maiores valores de consumo da MS (1204,81g/dia), da EB (4910,41kcal/dia), da ED (3436,21kcal/dia) e da PB (130,90g/dia). Para o capim-elefante colhido aos 56 dias, ainda foram observados os maiores valores de digestibilidade da MS (70,64%), da EB (70,11%), da PB (68,96%), da FDN (71,4%) e do conteúdo ED (2,86Mcal/kg MS). Com o avanço da idade de corte, houve redução da degradabilidade potencial da MS (77,99% x 68,33%), da PB (84,80% x 56,52%) e da FDN (72,18% x 64,33%), para as idades de corte de 56 e 112 dias, respectivamente. O capim cortado aos 56 dias apresentou maior valor de produção cumulativa de gases (210,50mL/g de MS) e de degradabilidade da matéria seca (63,9%) após 96 horas de fermentação. O capim-elefante verde deve ser colhido aos 56 dias de rebrota em razão das características nutricionais apresentadas.(AU)

The nutritional value of fresh elephant grass harvested at 56, 84 and 112 days of age was evaluated by intake and digestibility in sheep, in situ degradability, and ruminal fermentation's kinetics. The elephant grass harvested at 56 days provided higher DM intake (1204.81g/day), GE (4910.41kcal/day), DE (3436.21kcal/day), and CP (130.90g/day) values. Furthermore, the highest DM (70.64%), GE (70.11%), DE (2.86%) and CP (68.96%) digestibility values were observed at 56 days. With the increase in the harvest age there was a reduction in the DM (77.99 x 68.33%), CP (84.80 x 56.52%) and NDF (72.18 x 64.33%) potential degradability in the treatments 56 and 112 days, respectively. Higher values of cumulative gas production (210,50mL/g DM) and DM degradability for elephant grass were observed at 56 days, after 96 hours of fermentation. The fresh elephant grass should be harvested at 56 days of regrowth due to the nutritional characteristics found in this study.(AU)

Circulating nucleic acids in the plasma and serum as potential biomarkers in neurological disorders.

Neurological diseases are responsible for approximately 6.8 million deaths every year. They affect up to 1 billion people worldwide and cause significant disability and reduced quality of life. In most neurological disorders, the diagnosis can be challenging; it frequently requires long-term investigation. Thus, the discovery of better diagnostic methods to help in the accurate and fast diagnosis of neurological disorders is crucial. Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) are defined as any type of DNA or RNA that is present in body biofluids. They can be found within extracellular vesicles or as cell-free DNA and RNA. Currently, CNAs are being explored as potential biomarkers for diseases because they can be obtained using non-invasive methods and may reflect unique characteristics of the biological processes involved in several diseases. CNAs can be especially useful as biomarkers for conditions that involve organs or structures that are difficult to assess, such as the central nervous system. This review presents a critical assessment of the most current literature about the use of plasma and serum CNAs as biomarkers for several aspects of neurological disorders: defining a diagnosis, establishing a prognosis, and monitoring the disease progression and response to therapy. We explored the biological origin, types, and general mechanisms involved in the generation of CNAs in physiological and pathological processes, with specific attention to neurological disorders. In addition, we present some of the future applications of CNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for these diseases.

In silico prediction of the functional and structural consequences of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism A122V in bovine CXC chemokine receptor type 1 / Predição in silico das consequências funcionais e estruturais do polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único não-sinônimo A122V no receptor de quimiocina CXC do tipo I bovino

Abstract The current study aimed to assess whether the A122V causal polymorphism promotes alterations in the functional and structural proprieties of the CXC chemokine receptor type 1 protein (CXCR1) of cattle Bos taurus by in silico analyses. Two amino acid sequences of bovine CXCR1 was selected from database UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: a) non-polymorphic sequence (A7KWG0) with alanine (A) at position 122, and b) polymorphic sequence harboring the A122V polymorphism, substituting alanine by valine (V) at same position. CXCR1 sequences were submitted as input to different Bioinformatics' tools to examine the effects of this polymorphism on functional and structural stabilities, to predict eventual alterations in the 3-D structural modeling, and to estimate the quality and accuracy of the predictive models. The A122V polymorphism exerted tolerable and non-deleterious effects on the polymorphic CXCR1, and the predictive structural model for polymorphic CXCR1 revealed an alpha helix spatial structure typical of a receptor transmembrane polypeptide. Although higher variations in the distances between pairs of amino acid residues at target-positions are detected in the polymorphic CXCR1 protein, more than 97% of the amino acid residues in both models were located in favored and allowed conformational regions in Ramachandran plots. Evidences has supported that the A122V polymorphism in the CXCR1 protein is associated with increased clinical mastitis incidence in dairy cows. Thus, the findings described herein prove that the replacement of the alanine by valine amino acids provokes local conformational changes in the A122V-harboring CXCR1 protein, which could directly affect its post-translational folding mechanisms and biological functionality.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou avaliar se o polimorfismo causal A122V promove alterações nas propriedades funcionais e estruturais da proteína receptora de quimiocina CXC do tipo 1 (CXCR1) de bovino Bos taurus por análises in silico. Duas sequências de aminoácidos da CXCR1 bovina foram selecionadas a partir do banco de dados UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: a) sequência não-polimórfica (A7KWG0) contendo alanina (A) na posição 122, e b) sequência polimórfica carreando o polimorfismo A122V, causando a substituição de alanina por valina (V) na mesma posição. As sequências CXCR1 foram analisadas por diferentes ferramentas de Bioinformática para examinar o efeito desse polimorfismo sobre sua estabilidade, função e estrutura, predizer eventuais alterações na sua modelagem estrutural 3-D, bem como estimar a qualidade dos modelos preditos. O polimorfismo A122V exerceu efeitos toleráveis e não-deletérios sobre a CXCR1 polimórfica, apresentando um modelo estrutural de alfa-hélice típico de uma proteína receptora transmembranar para ambas as proteínas. Embora maiores variações nas distâncias entre os pares de aminoácidos nas posições-alvo tenham sido detectadas na proteína polimórfica, mais do que 97% dos aminoácidos em ambos os modelos foram situados em regiões ditas favoráveis e permitidas nos diagramas de Ramachandran. Evidências sustentam que o polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único A122V na proteína receptora CXCR1 está associado à aumentada incidência de mastite clínica em vacas leiteiras. Assim, as descobertas descritas aqui comprovam que a substituição do aminoácido alanina por valina provoca mudanças conformacionais locais na proteína CXCR1 polimórfica, que podem estar diretamente afetando seus mecanismos de enovelamento pós-traducionais e sua função biológica.

In silico prediction of the functional and structural consequences of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism A122V in bovine CXC chemokine receptor type 1.

The current study aimed to assess whether the A122V causal polymorphism promotes alterations in the functional and structural proprieties of the CXC chemokine receptor type 1 protein (CXCR1) of cattle Bos taurus by in silico analyses. Two amino acid sequences of bovine CXCR1 was selected from database UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: a) non-polymorphic sequence (A7KWG0) with alanine (A) at position 122, and b) polymorphic sequence harboring the A122V polymorphism, substituting alanine by valine (V) at same position. CXCR1 sequences were submitted as input to different Bioinformatics' tools to examine the effects of this polymorphism on functional and structural stabilities, to predict eventual alterations in the 3-D structural modeling, and to estimate the quality and accuracy of the predictive models. The A122V polymorphism exerted tolerable and non-deleterious effects on the polymorphic CXCR1, and the predictive structural model for polymorphic CXCR1 revealed an alpha helix spatial structure typical of a receptor transmembrane polypeptide. Although higher variations in the distances between pairs of amino acid residues at target-positions are detected in the polymorphic CXCR1 protein, more than 97% of the amino acid residues in both models were located in favored and allowed conformational regions in Ramachandran plots. Evidences has supported that the A122V polymorphism in the CXCR1 protein is associated with increased clinical mastitis incidence in dairy cows. Thus, the findings described herein prove that the replacement of the alanine by valine amino acids provokes local conformational changes in the A122V-harboring CXCR1 protein, which could directly affect its post-translational folding mechanisms and biological functionality.

Circulating nucleic acids in the plasma and serum as potential biomarkers in neurological disorders

Neurological diseases are responsible for approximately 6.8 million deaths every year. They affect up to 1 billion people worldwide and cause significant disability and reduced quality of life. In most neurological disorders, the diagnosis can be challenging; it frequently requires long-term investigation. Thus, the discovery of better diagnostic methods to help in the accurate and fast diagnosis of neurological disorders is crucial. Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) are defined as any type of DNA or RNA that is present in body biofluids. They can be found within extracellular vesicles or as cell-free DNA and RNA. Currently, CNAs are being explored as potential biomarkers for diseases because they can be obtained using non-invasive methods and may reflect unique characteristics of the biological processes involved in several diseases. CNAs can be especially useful as biomarkers for conditions that involve organs or structures that are difficult to assess, such as the central nervous system. This review presents a critical assessment of the most current literature about the use of plasma and serum CNAs as biomarkers for several aspects of neurological disorders: defining a diagnosis, establishing a prognosis, and monitoring the disease progression and response to therapy. We explored the biological origin, types, and general mechanisms involved in the generation of CNAs in physiological and pathological processes, with specific attention to neurological disorders. In addition, we present some of the future applications of CNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for these diseases.

Radiographic pelvimetry in 0 to 24 month-old pacas (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Pelvimetria radiográfica em pacas de 0 a 24 meses de idade (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

The pelvimetry consists of the metric determination of the pelvis dimensions and its use is directly related to the reproduction. The cartilage closure time of the ossification centers varies according to the bone, some closing already in the uterine life and others remaining present for many years. The objective was to evaluate, radiographically, the pelvic diameters by pelvimetry during the first 24 months of life in pacas, the second lagest Brazilian rodent and an animal that has shown big recent scientific interest, aiming the estimated age determination. Twelve pacas were used, which were monthly radiographed up from birth until 24 months old, with the animals anesthetized. The pacas are dolicopelvic animals and with pelvis presenting strong tendency to constant growth along the 12 first months of age, fact that can be useful in the approximated animals' age determination that do not have precise birth date, for example.(AU)

A pelvimetria consiste na determinação métrica das dimensões pélvicas, e sua utilização está diretamente relacionada à reprodução. O momento de fechamento da cartilagem dos centros de ossificação varia de acordo com o osso, algumas fechando já na vida uterina e outras permanecendo presentes por vários anos. Objetivou-se avaliar, radiograficamente, os diâmetros pélvicos, mediante pelvimetria, durante os 24 primeiros meses de vida de pacas, o segundo maior roedor brasileiro e sobre o qual tem havido grande interesse científico, para a determinação aproximada da idade. Foram utilizadas 12 pacas, as quais foram radiografadas mensalmente a partir do nascimento até 24 meses de idade, com os animais anestesiados. As pacas são animais dolicopélvicos e com pelve apresentando forte tendência ao crescimento constante durante os 12 primeiros meses de vida, o que pode ser útil na determinação aproximada da idade em animais que não possuem data precisa de nascimento, por exemplo.(AU)

Morfologia do pâncreas da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Morphology of the pancreas of pacas (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

Este trabalho se baseou na descrição morfológica da paca (Cuniculus paca), espécie selvagem pertencente à ordem dos roedores, típica de regiões tropicais, sendo o seu conhecimento anatômico detalhado muito importante para sua conservação, experimentação e comercialização, pois ainda são escassos na literatura os trabalhos sobre morfologia de espécies selvagens. Macroscopicamente, o pâncreas da paca é formado por lóbulos, organizados em ramificações difusas, e, microscopicamente, tal órgão possui uma camada de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, a partir da qual partem septos, que dividem a glândula em lóbulos, compostos de ácinos e ilhotas pancreáticas.(AU)

The present study aimed to describe the morphology of pacas (Cuniculus paca), a wild species belonging to the order Rodentia, found in tropical areas. The detailed anatomical knowledge of pacas is very important for conservation, experimental studies and commercialization because studies in literature about wild species are scarce. The pancreas of paca has lobes organized in diffuse branches at the macroscopic level and microscopically this organ has a loose connective tissue layer, originating septa that divide the gland into lobes composed of acini and pancreatic islets.(AU)

Modulation of antibiotic effect by Fe2(MoO4)3 microstrutures.

In this study, we report the antibacterial activity and modulation of antibiotic activity by Fe2(MoO4)3 microstructures obtained by the hydrothermal route without use of surfactants or organic additives. This material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The XRD pattern showed that the Fe2(MoO4)3 crystallize in a monoclinic structure without secondary phases. Raman spectroscopy confirms the formation of Fe2(MoO4)3. SEM images show that the Fe2(MoO4)3 obtained have ball-of-yarn shaped morphology. In the antibacterial assays, strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were assayed by microdilution method to evaluate the antibacterial and modulatory-antibiotic activity with antibiotics as gentamicin, norfloxacin and imipenem. Against all bacteria, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was Fe2(MoO4)3 ≥ 1024 µg/mL. This high MIC result must be associated with the fact of the iron be an essential microelement to the bacterial growth. However, when the Fe2(MoO4)3 was assayed in association with the antibiotics was observed an antagonistic effect demonstrated by an enhance of the MIC. This fact is associated directly with the pro-oxidative properties of metallic oxides. These compounds enhance the production of free radicals, as H2O2 and superoxide ions that can affect the cell structures as cell membrane and cell wall. Other effect is associated with the possible coordination of the metal, performing bonds with the chemical structure of the antibiotics, reducing their activity. Our results indicated that nanocompounds as Fe2(MoO4)3 can not be used as antimicrobial products for clinical usage, neither directly and neither in association with antibiotics.

Single-cell sequencing unveils the lifestyle and CRISPR-based population history of Hydrotalea sp. in acid mine drainage.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is characterized by an acid and metal-rich run-off that originates from mining systems. Despite having been studied for many decades, much remains unknown about the microbial community dynamics in AMD sites, especially during their early development, when the acidity is moderate. Here, we describe draft genome assemblies from single cells retrieved from an early-stage AMD sample. These cells belong to the genus Hydrotalea and are closely related to Hydrotalea flava. The phylogeny and average nucleotide identity analysis suggest that all single amplified genomes (SAGs) form two clades that may represent different strains. These cells have the genomic potential for denitrification, copper and other metal resistance. Two coexisting CRISPR-Cas loci were recovered across SAGs, and we observed heterogeneity in the population with regard to the spacer sequences, together with the loss of trailer-end spacers. Our results suggest that the genomes of Hydrotalea sp. strains studied here are adjusting to a quickly changing selective pressure at the microhabitat scale, and an important form of this selective pressure is infection by foreign DNA.

In silico prediction of the functional and structural consequences of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism A122V in bovine CXC chemokine receptor type 1

Abstract The current study aimed to assess whether the A122V causal polymorphism promotes alterations in the functional and structural proprieties of the CXC chemokine receptor type 1 protein (CXCR1) of cattle Bos taurus by in silico analyses. Two amino acid sequences of bovine CXCR1 was selected from database UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: a) non-polymorphic sequence (A7KWG0) with alanine (A) at position 122, and b) polymorphic sequence harboring the A122V polymorphism, substituting alanine by valine (V) at same position. CXCR1 sequences were submitted as input to different Bioinformatics tools to examine the effects of this polymorphism on functional and structural stabilities, to predict eventual alterations in the 3-D structural modeling, and to estimate the quality and accuracy of the predictive models. The A122V polymorphism exerted tolerable and non-deleterious effects on the polymorphic CXCR1, and the predictive structural model for polymorphic CXCR1 revealed an alpha helix spatial structure typical of a receptor transmembrane polypeptide. Although higher variations in the distances between pairs of amino acid residues at target-positions are detected in the polymorphic CXCR1 protein, more than 97% of the amino acid residues in both models were located in favored and allowed conformational regions in Ramachandran plots. Evidences has supported that the A122V polymorphism in the CXCR1 protein is associated with increased clinical mastitis incidence in dairy cows. Thus, the findings described herein prove that the replacement of the alanine by valine amino acids provokes local conformational changes in the A122V-harboring CXCR1 protein, which could directly affect its post-translational folding mechanisms and biological functionality.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou avaliar se o polimorfismo causal A122V promove alterações nas propriedades funcionais e estruturais da proteína receptora de quimiocina CXC do tipo 1 (CXCR1) de bovino Bos taurus por análises in silico. Duas sequências de aminoácidos da CXCR1 bovina foram selecionadas a partir do banco de dados UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot: a) sequência não-polimórfica (A7KWG0) contendo alanina (A) na posição 122, e b) sequência polimórfica carreando o polimorfismo A122V, causando a substituição de alanina por valina (V) na mesma posição. As sequências CXCR1 foram analisadas por diferentes ferramentas de Bioinformática para examinar o efeito desse polimorfismo sobre sua estabilidade, função e estrutura, predizer eventuais alterações na sua modelagem estrutural 3-D, bem como estimar a qualidade dos modelos preditos. O polimorfismo A122V exerceu efeitos toleráveis e não-deletérios sobre a CXCR1 polimórfica, apresentando um modelo estrutural de alfa-hélice típico de uma proteína receptora transmembranar para ambas as proteínas. Embora maiores variações nas distâncias entre os pares de aminoácidos nas posições-alvo tenham sido detectadas na proteína polimórfica, mais do que 97% dos aminoácidos em ambos os modelos foram situados em regiões ditas favoráveis e permitidas nos diagramas de Ramachandran. Evidências sustentam que o polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único A122V na proteína receptora CXCR1 está associado à aumentada incidência de mastite clínica em vacas leiteiras. Assim, as descobertas descritas aqui comprovam que a substituição do aminoácido alanina por valina provoca mudanças conformacionais locais na proteína CXCR1 polimórfica, que podem estar diretamente afetando seus mecanismos de enovelamento pós-traducionais e sua função biológica.

Co-relationship between Escherichia coli in broiler cellulitis and liver lesions

Abstract Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli may invade the subcutaneous tissue of poultry and cause cellulitis, whilst the pathogen may also cause lesions in internal organs such as the liver. Current paper co-relates Escherichia coli and virulence genes characteristic of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broilers´ cellulitis and liver lesions. One hundred carcasses were retrieved from the production chain in an avian abattoir in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between August 2013 and January 2014, due to detection of cellulitis lesions. Cellulitis and liver samples were retrieved aseptically to quantify E. coli by Petrifilm count fast method (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Virulent genes iss and iutA were removed from E. coli isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli was isolated from 82.0% of broilers removed from the production chain and the bacterium was concomitantly detected in cellulitis and liver lesions in 40.0% of broilers. E. coli counts ranged between 1.00 and 4.73 log CFU/g in liver lesions and between 2.00 and 9.00 log UFC/g in cellulitis lesions. Virulent genes iutA and iss were detected in 97.56% and 89.02% of E. coli isolates, respectively. Genotype analysis demonstrated the concomitant amplification of genes iutA and iss in 60.0% (n=40) of samples of cellulitis and liver lesions in which the simultaneous isolation of E. coli occurred. There was a positive and significant co-relationship (r=0.22; p 0.05) between the variables occurrence of E. coli isolated from liver samples and the occurrence of E. coli isolated from cellulitis lesions. There were also positive and significant co-relationships between populations of E. coli from liver isolates and cellulitis lesions (r=0.46; p 0.05) when E. coli isolated in the liver and in cellulitis lesions was detected. Since results showed a relationship between E. coli in cellulitis and liver lesions and possible systemic infection, the occurrence of cellulitis lesions as a criterion for total discarding of carcass may be suggested.

Resumo Cepas patogênicas de Escherichia coli podem invadir o tecido subcutâneo das aves e provocar celulite aviária e este patógeno pode provocar lesões nos órgãos internos, como o fígado. Desta forma, objetivou-se correlacionar a presença de Escherichia coli e os genes de virulência característicos de Escherichia coli Patogênica para Aves (APEC) nas lesões de celulite e nos fígados dos frangos. Entre agosto de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, foram retiradas 100 carcaças da linha de produção por apresentarem lesões de celulite em um matadouro avícola da Bahia (Brasil). Foram coletadas amostras de celulite e fígados de frango assepticamente para quantificação de E. coli pelo método rápido de contagem Petrifilm (3M Company) (AOAC 998.8). Em seguida foi realizada a pesquisa dos genes de virulência iss e iutA nos isolados de E. coli utilizando a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Escherichia coli foi isolada em 82,00% das aves retiradas da linha de produção e a bactéria foi detectada concomitantemente nas lesões de celulite e fígado em 40,00% das aves. As contagens de E. coli variaram de 1,00 a 4,73 log UFC/g nos fígados e de 2,00 a 9,00 log UFC/g nas lesões de celulite. Os genes de virulência iutA e iss foram encontrados em 97,56% e 89,02% dos isolados de E. coli, respectivamente. A análise genotípica revelou a amplificação concomitante dos genes iutA e iss em 60,00% (n=40) das amostras de lesões de celulite e fígado nas quais houve o isolamento simultâneo de E. coli. Foi observada correlação positiva e significativa (r=0,22; p 0,05) entre as variáveis ocorrência de E. coli isolada das amostras dos fígados e ocorrência E. coli isolada das lesões de celulite e, nos casos em que foi detectada a ocorrência de E. coli isolada em fígado e lesões de celulite, correlações positivas e significativas também foram evidenciadas entre as populações de E. coli dos isolados dos fígados e das lesões de celulite, (r=0,46; p 0,05). Assim ficou evidenciada a relação entre E. coli presente nas lesões de celulite e no fígado e uma possível infecção sistêmica, desta forma, sugere-se que a presença de lesões de celulite seja utilizada como critério para o descarte total da carcaça.

Morfologia do estômago do cervo-do-pantanal (Blastocerus dichotomus, Illiger 1815) / Morphology of the marsh deer's stomach (Blastocerus dichotomus, Illiger 1815)

Em razão da falta de informações sobre a morfologia do cervo-do-pantanal, objetivou-se apresentar a morfologia das câmaras gástricas desse cervídeo. Macroscopicamente, o estômago do cervo-do-pantanal é formado pelo rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso, assemelhando-se aos ruminantes domésticos. Microscopicamente, o rúmen e o abomaso são semelhantes aos animais domésticos, já o retículo e o omaso apresentam características específicas, como acentuada queratinização no ápice das pequenas projeções epiteliais do retículo e pregas omasais revestidas por discretas papilas.(AU)

Based on the lack of information regarding the morphology of marsh deer, this work aims to describe some morphological aspects of the gastric chamber in this species, collaborating with future investigations, mainly related to rational handling in this cervid. This work aimed to describe the morphology of the gastric chamber of the marsh deer, characterizing the external and internal macroscopical details and the microscopical architecture of these structures by light microscopy. Macroscopically, the marsh deer stomach is formed by the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum similar to the domestic ruminants. Microscopically, rumen and abomasum are similar to the domestic ruminants. The reticulum and the omasum, however, present specific characteristics such as keratin on the top of the reticulum, small epithelial projections and omasum folds covered with discrete papillae.(AU)