Use of aerobic treadmill exercises on nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Purpose: Various postoperative protocols have been proposed to improve outcomes and accelerate nerve regeneration. Recently, the use of physical exercise in a post-surgical neurorraphy procedure has shown good results when started early. We experimentally investigated the hypothesis that post-operative exercise speeds up results and improves clinical and morphologic parameters. Methods: Isogenic rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1 SHAM; 2 SHAM submitted to the exercise protocol (EP); 3 Grafting of the sciatic nerve; and 4 Grafting of the sciatic nerve associated with the EP. The EP was based on aerobic activities with a treadmill, with a progressive increase in time and intensity during 6 weeks. The results were evaluated by the sciatic functional index (SFI), morphometric and morphologic analysis of nerve distal to the lesion, and the number of spinal cord motor neurons, positive to the marker Fluoro-Gold (FG), captured retrogradely through neurorraphy. Results: Functional analysis (SFI) did not show a statistical difference between the group grafted with (­50.94) and without exercise (-65.79) after 90 days. The motoneurons count (Spinal cord histology) also showed no diference between these groups (834.5 × 833 respectively). Although functionally there is no difference between these groups, morphometric study showed a greater density (53.62) and larger fibers (7.762) in GRAFT group. When comparing both operated groups with both SHAM groups, all values were much lower. Conclusions: The experimental model that this aerobic treadmill exercises protocol did not modify nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury and repair with nerve graft.

Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in pigs slaughtered in the agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil

Background: Swine production and productivity rates can be influenced by several factors, such as genetics, environmentalconditions, nutritional factors, previous infections and others. Among infectious diseases, leptospirosis is a well-knowncause of reproductive disorders in pigs. These animals are considered carriers of the disease when they are in the terminalstage of the infection and the Veterinary Inspection Service has not been notified when they are slaughtered. Consideringthe lack of epidemiological information on Leptospira infection in pigs in the state of Pernambuco, the aim of this studywas to investigate anti-Leptospira antibodies in pigs slaughtered in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples were collected from 305 pigs in 11 municipalities in the Agreste region ofPernambuco. The animals had no history of vaccination, and were raised on subsistence-oriented family farms. The serawere subjected to the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for the detection of antibodies. The serovars used in the MATwere: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Copenhageni, Javanica, Canicola, Castellonis, Pyrogenenes, Cynopteri, Autumnalis, Sentot,Djasiman, Australis, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Wolffi, Sejroe, Saxkoebing, Bataviae, Tarassovi, Panama,Patoc, Andamana, Celledoni, Shermani, Brastilava and Hardjo. Sera showing titers of ≥100 were considered positive. TheMAT results indicated that 78/305 (25.57%) of the samples were positive, and were distributed in the 11 municipalities.The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Copenhageni, and Djasiman, with frequencies of 55.13%, 17.95%and 6.41%, respectively.Discussion: Swine infected with leptospirosis showed few or no signs of the disease. However, the bacteria can be carriedfor long periods in convoluted tubules of the kidney and their urinary excretion may last for years...

Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in pigs slaughtered in the agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil

Background: Swine production and productivity rates can be influenced by several factors, such as genetics, environmentalconditions, nutritional factors, previous infections and others. Among infectious diseases, leptospirosis is a well-knowncause of reproductive disorders in pigs. These animals are considered carriers of the disease when they are in the terminalstage of the infection and the Veterinary Inspection Service has not been notified when they are slaughtered. Consideringthe lack of epidemiological information on Leptospira infection in pigs in the state of Pernambuco, the aim of this studywas to investigate anti-Leptospira antibodies in pigs slaughtered in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples were collected from 305 pigs in 11 municipalities in the Agreste region ofPernambuco. The animals had no history of vaccination, and were raised on subsistence-oriented family farms. The serawere subjected to the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for the detection of antibodies. The serovars used in the MATwere: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Copenhageni, Javanica, Canicola, Castellonis, Pyrogenenes, Cynopteri, Autumnalis, Sentot,Djasiman, Australis, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Wolffi, Sejroe, Saxkoebing, Bataviae, Tarassovi, Panama,Patoc, Andamana, Celledoni, Shermani, Brastilava and Hardjo. Sera showing titers of ≥100 were considered positive. TheMAT results indicated that 78/305 (25.57%) of the samples were positive, and were distributed in the 11 municipalities.The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Copenhageni, and Djasiman, with frequencies of 55.13%, 17.95%and 6.41%, respectively.Discussion: Swine infected with leptospirosis showed few or no signs of the disease. However, the bacteria can be carriedfor long periods in convoluted tubules of the kidney and their urinary excretion may last for years...(AU)

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chicken breeding in Northeast, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e DNA do parasita em galinhas de criações domésticas no Nordeste, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chickens bred in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. In total, 212 serum samples were collected from 16 properties, and 12 backyard chickens were collected in the six sanitary districts of Recife. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii DNA in brain, heart, liver and lung specimens. Of the samples analyzed by serology, 86/212 (40.56%) were positive; of the samples analyzed by PCR, 2/12 (16.7%) were positive, with both samples positive by both tests (serological and molecular). The presence of antibody anti-T. gondii and parasite DNA in tissues of these animals are worrying aspects for public health because there is a risk of transmission of the parasite to humans through eating undercooked or raw meat. Based on the results, the adoption of preventive measures to prevent the cats access to the chickens creations should be encouraged, since these animals were identified in most of the studied properties.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e de DNA do parasito em galinhas de criações domésticas, na região metropolitana de Recife, Brasil. No total, 212 amostras de soro foram coletadas de aves de 16 estabelecimentos e de 12 galinhas de criações domésticas nos seis distritos sanitários de Recife. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi utilizada a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detectar o DNA de T. gondii em fragmentos de cérebro, coração, fígado e pulmão. Das amostras analisadas por sorologia, 86/212 (40,56%) foram positivas. Das amostras analisadas por PCR, 2/212 (16,7%) foram positivas, em ambos os testes (sorológicos e moleculares). A presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii e de DNA parasitário nos tecidos desses animais são aspectos preocupantes para saúde pública, porque há o risco de transmissão do parasita para humanos através da ingestão de carne mal cozida ou crua. Com base nos resultados obtidos, a adoção de medidas preventivas que evitem o acesso de gatos às criações de galinhas deve ser incentivada, uma vez que esses animais foram identificados na maioria das propriedades estudadas.(AU)

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chicken breeding in Northeast, Brazil

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chickens bred in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. In total, 212 serum samples were collected from 16 properties, and 12 backyard chickens were collected in the six sanitary districts of Recife. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii DNA in brain, heart, liver and lung specimens. Of the samples analyzed by serology, 86/212 (40.56%) were positive; of the samples analyzed by PCR, 2/12 (16.7%) were positive, with both samples positive by both tests (serological and molecular). The presence of antibody anti-T. gondii and parasite DNA in tissues of these animals are worrying aspects for public health because there is a risk of transmission of the parasite to humans through eating undercooked or raw meat. Based on the results, the adoption of preventive measures to prevent the cats access to the chickens creations should be encouraged, since these animals were identified in most of the studied properties.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e de DNA do parasito em galinhas de criações domésticas, na região metropolitana de Recife, Brasil. No total, 212 amostras de soro foram coletadas de aves de 16 estabelecimentos e de 12 galinhas de criações domésticas nos seis distritos sanitários de Recife. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi utilizada a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detectar o DNA de T. gondii em fragmentos de cérebro, coração, fígado e pulmão. Das amostras analisadas por sorologia, 86/212 (40,56%) foram positivas. Das amostras analisadas por PCR, 2/212 (16,7%) foram positivas, em ambos os testes (sorológicos e moleculares). A presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii e de DNA parasitário nos tecidos desses animais são aspectos preocupantes para saúde pública, porque há o risco de transmissão do parasita para humanos através da ingestão de carne mal cozida ou crua. Com base nos resultados obtidos, a adoção de medidas preventivas que evitem o acesso de gatos às criações de galinhas deve ser incentivada, uma vez que esses animais foram identificados na maioria das propriedades estudadas.

Aspectos qualitativos da carne moída comercializada na região metropolitana do Recife - PE / Qualitative Aspects of Ground Beef Sold in the Metropolitan Area of Recife-PE

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade físico-química e sensorial da carne moída comercializada nos municípios de Camaragibe, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Recife e São Lourenço da Mata, bem como detectar a possível adição fraudulenta de sulfito de sódio. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de carne moída de mercados públicos (n=4), açougues (n=7) e mini mercados (n=9), sendo cinco amostras por município. Os resultados demonstraram que somente 14/20 das amostras encontravam-se em local refrigerado, sendo que apenas 2/20 estavam com temperatura interna de refrigeração adequada. Quanto ao pH, somente 12/20 estavam no intervalo ideal de 5,8 a 6,2. Na análise sensorial, todas apresentaram aspecto normal, porém com presença de corpos estranhos (6/20); quanto à coloração, 15/20 apresentaram manchas vermelhas escuras e 1/20 amarronzada; quanto à consistência, 2/20 encontravam-se viscosas e; quanto ao odor, 5/20 apresentaram-se alterado. No teste de presença de sulfito de sódio todas foram negativas. O controle da temperatura de refrigeração da carne moída é um problema real nos comércios formais e informais e isso contribui com um produto de baixa qualidade. Apesar de todos os problemas encontrados na comercialização da carne moída, sugere-se que a prática de adição fraudulenta do sulfito de sódio ainda não seja uma realidade nos municípios estudados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory quality of ground beef sold in the municipalities of Camaragibe, Jaboatão Guararapes, Recife and São Lourenço da Mata, as well as to detect possible fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite. We collected 20 samples of ground beef from public markets (n=4), butchers (n=7) and mini markets (n=9), five samples per county. The results showed that only 14/20 of the samples were refrigerated, whereas only 2/20 were with adequate cooling internal temperature. About the pH, only 12/20 were in the optimum range from 5.8 to 6.2. In sensory analysis, the aspect of all was normal, but with the presence of foreign bodies (6/20); regarding color, 15/20 had dark red spots and 1/20, brownish, for consistency, 2/20 were found viscous and, about the odor, 5/20 presented changes. In the test for presence of sodium sulphite, all were negative. The cooling temperature control of ground beef is a real problem in formal and informal trades and it contributes to a poor quality product, which can cause damage to the consumers health. Despite all the problems encountered in the commercialization of ground beef, suggested the practice of fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite is not yet a reality in the cities studied.

Aspectos qualitativos da carne moída comercializada na região metropolitana do Recife - PE / Qualitative Aspects of Ground Beef Sold in the Metropolitan Area of Recife-PE

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade físico-química e sensorial da carne moída comercializada nos municípios de Camaragibe, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Recife e São Lourenço da Mata, bem como detectar a possível adição fraudulenta de sulfito de sódio. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de carne moída de mercados públicos (n=4), açougues (n=7) e mini mercados (n=9), sendo cinco amostras por município. Os resultados demonstraram que somente 14/20 das amostras encontravam-se em local refrigerado, sendo que apenas 2/20 estavam com temperatura interna de refrigeração adequada. Quanto ao pH, somente 12/20 estavam no intervalo ideal de 5,8 a 6,2. Na análise sensorial, todas apresentaram aspecto normal, porém com presença de corpos estranhos (6/20); quanto à coloração, 15/20 apresentaram manchas vermelhas escuras e 1/20 amarronzada; quanto à consistência, 2/20 encontravam-se viscosas e; quanto ao odor, 5/20 apresentaram-se alterado. No teste de presença de sulfito de sódio todas foram negativas. O controle da temperatura de refrigeração da carne moída é um problema real nos comércios formais e informais e isso contribui com um produto de baixa qualidade. Apesar de todos os problemas encontrados na comercialização da carne moída, sugere-se que a prática de adição fraudulenta do sulfito de sódio ainda não seja uma realidade nos municípios estudados.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory quality of ground beef sold in the municipalities of Camaragibe, Jaboatão Guararapes, Recife and São Lourenço da Mata, as well as to detect possible fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite. We collected 20 samples of ground beef from public markets (n=4), butchers (n=7) and mini markets (n=9), five samples per county. The results showed that only 14/20 of the samples were refrigerated, whereas only 2/20 were with adequate cooling internal temperature. About the pH, only 12/20 were in the optimum range from 5.8 to 6.2. In sensory analysis, the aspect of all was normal, but with the presence of foreign bodies (6/20); regarding color, 15/20 had dark red spots and 1/20, brownish, for consistency, 2/20 were found viscous and, about the odor, 5/20 presented changes. In the test for presence of sodium sulphite, all were negative. The cooling temperature control of ground beef is a real problem in formal and informal trades and it contributes to a poor quality product, which can cause damage to the consumers health. Despite all the problems encountered in the commercialization of ground beef, suggested the practice of fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite is not yet a reality in the cities studied.(AU)