Production and economic evaluation of the Corriedale, Highlander and Milchschaf sheep breeds in Southern Uruguay / Produção e avaliação econômica das raças ovinas Corriedale, Highlander e Milchschaf no Sul do Uruguai

ABSTRACT: Sheep production is expanding among small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Currently, Corriedale and Milchschaf are being used, but not Highlander. However, there is lack of experimental information regarding the relative performance of these breeds. We conducted an experiment where these three sheep breeds were run together at the Southern Regional Centre, located in the region in question. Wool, body, reproductive and lamb growth traits were recorded from 2015 to 2019. Results were used as a basis for the calculation of gross margins for each breed, which we calculated for a range of production and economic scenarios. For scenarios based on the results of the present study Highlander was the best performing breed. If it was assumed to be wool-less, it performed even better. In some scenarios Corriedale performed best, especially when the higher wool price it used to enjoy was assumed. However, fetching such a price in the foreseeable future is unlikely. We concluded that in the absence of wool-less sheep that perform in a manner similar to Highlander or Milchschaf in terms of reproduction and lamb growth, Highlander is currently the best option for small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Until now, Milchschaf has been the recommended breed for the region and production system in question. The recommendation should be reviewed, Highlander should be recommended instead, and the performance of wool-less breeds should be investigated. Results could be applicable to other temperate regions in Latin America where similar production systems exist or may be developed.

RESUMO: A produção de ovinos está se expandindo entre os pequenos produtores do Sul do Uruguai. Corriedale e Milchschaf estão sendo utilizados atualmente, mas não Highlander. Não obstante, há uma falta de informações experimentais sobre o desempenho relativo destas raças. Realizamos um experimento no qual estas três raças ovinas foram manejadas juntas no Centro Regional Sul, localizado na região em questão. As características de lã, corpo, reprodução e crescimento do cordeiro foram registradas de 2015 a 2019. Os resultados foram usados como base para calcular as margens brutas para cada raça, o que fizemos para uma série de cenários de produção e econômicos. Nos cenários baseados nos resultados deste estudo, a raça Highlander foi a que teve melhor desempenho. Se, se supunha que não tinha lã, seu desempenho era ainda maior. Em alguns cenários, Corriedale foi a raça com melhor desempenho, particularmente quando se supôs preços mais altos da lã, como os que se obtinham anos atrás. No entanto, é improvável que estes preços sejam atingidos novamente num futuro próximo. Concluímos que, na ausência de ovelhas sem lã, que tenham um desempenho semelhante ao Highlander ou Milchschaf em termos de reprodução e crescimento do cordeiro, Highlander é atualmente a melhor opção para os pequenos produtores do sul do Uruguai. Até agora, Milchschaf tem sido a raça recomendada para a região e para o sistema de produção em questão. Esta recomendação deve ser revista, o Highlander deve ser a raça recomendada, e o desempenho das raças sem lã deve ser investigado. Os resultados poderiam ser aplicáveis a outras regiões temperadas da América Latina onde sistemas de produção similares existem ou podem ser desenvolvidos.

Production and economic evaluation of the Corriedale, Highlander and Milchschaf sheep breeds in Southern Uruguay / Produção e avaliação econômica das raças ovinas Corriedale, Highlander e Milchschaf no Sul do Uruguai

Sheep production is expanding among small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Currently, Corriedale and Milchschaf are being used, but not Highlander. However, there is lack of experimental information regarding the relative performance of these breeds. We conducted an experiment where these three sheep breeds were run together at the Southern Regional Centre, located in the region in question. Wool, body, reproductive and lamb growth traits were recorded from 2015 to 2019. Results were used as a basis for the calculation of gross margins for each breed, which we calculated for a range of production and economic scenarios. For scenarios based on the results of the present study Highlander was the best performing breed. If it was assumed to be wool-less, it performed even better. In some scenarios Corriedale performed best, especially when the higher wool price it used to enjoy was assumed. However, fetching such a price in the foreseeable future is unlikely. We concluded that in the absence of wool-less sheep that perform in a manner similar to Highlander or Milchschaf in terms of reproduction and lamb growth, Highlander is currently the best option for small farmers in Southern Uruguay. Until now, Milchschaf has been the recommended breed for the region and production system in question. The recommendation should be reviewed, Highlander should be recommended instead, and the performance of wool-less breeds should be investigated. Results could be applicable to other temperate regions in Latin America where similar production systems exist or may be developed.

A produção de ovinos está se expandindo entre os pequenos produtores do Sul do Uruguai. Corriedale e Milchschaf estão sendo utilizados atualmente, mas não Highlander. Não obstante, há uma falta de informações experimentais sobre o desempenho relativo destas raças. Realizamos um experimento no qual estas três raças ovinas foram manejadas juntas no Centro Regional Sul, localizado na região em questão. As características de lã, corpo, reprodução e crescimento do cordeiro foram registradas de 2015 a 2019. Os resultados foram usados como base para calcular as margens brutas para cada raça, o que fizemos para uma série de cenários de produção e econômicos. Nos cenários baseados nos resultados deste estudo, a raça Highlander foi a que teve melhor desempenho. Se, se supunha que não tinha lã, seu desempenho era ainda maior. Em alguns cenários, Corriedale foi a raça com melhor desempenho, particularmente quando se supôs preços mais altos da lã, como os que se obtinham anos atrás. No entanto, é improvável que estes preços sejam atingidos novamente num futuro próximo. Concluímos que, na ausência de ovelhas sem lã, que tenham um desempenho semelhante ao Highlander ou Milchschaf em termos de reprodução e crescimento do cordeiro, Highlander é atualmente a melhor opção para os pequenos produtores do sul do Uruguai. Até agora, Milchschaf tem sido a raça recomendada para a região e para o sistema de produção em questão. Esta recomendação deve ser revista, o Highlander deve ser a raça recomendada, e o desempenho das raças sem lã deve ser investigado. Os resultados poderiam ser aplicáveis a outras regiões temperadas da América Latina onde sistemas de produção similares existem ou podem ser desenvolvidos.

Recovery of dried samples from the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC)/Fiocruz through specimen rehydration technique / Recuperação de amostras dessecadas da Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (CHIOC)/Fiocruz por meio da técnica de reidratação de espécimes

The Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute is the biggest in Latin America and it is among the largest collections at worldwide reference level, with around 40,000 sets of specimens and approximately one million individual specimens. It contains helminths parasites of vertebrate and invertebrate animals that form part of the fauna of Brazil and other countries. The samples comprise holotypes, paratypes and representative specimens of Platyhelminthes, Acanthocephala, Nematoda and other non-helminth phyla, such as Annelida and Arthropoda. Some of the samples preserved in liquid media were found to have dried out. This made it impossible to analyze these samples morphologically for taxonomic purposes. The aim of this study was to test techniques used for rehydration of the tegument of specimens that had been found to have dried out and present protocols for such techniques. A total of 528 specimens that either no longer were immersed in preservatives or had already dried out were analyzed: 96 digenetic trematodes, 45 cestodes, 22 acanthocephalans, 357 nematodes, four hirudineans and four pentastomid crustaceans. The technique of rehydration using only distilled water on the specimens proved to be efficient for recovering tegument malleability, for all samples analyzed in this present study.(AU)

A Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz é a maior da América Latina e está entre as maiores coleções de referência mundial, com cerca de 40.000 lotes e, aproximadamente, um milhão de espécimes. Seu acervo reúne helmintos parasitos de animais vertebrados e invertebrados da fauna brasileira e de outros países. Seus exemplares são holótipos, parátipos e espécimes representativos de parasitos, pertencentes aos filos Platyhelminthes, Acanthocephala, Nematoda e, ainda alguns espécimes não-helmintos, pertencentes aos filos Annelida e Arthropoda. Parte das amostras preservadas como material líquido foram encontradas dessecadas. Esta condição torna as amostras inviáveis para análise morfológica para propósitos taxonômicos. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi testar técnicas usadas na reidratação do tegumento dos espécimes que se encontram dessecados e apresentar seus protocolos. Foram analisados 528 lotes, cujos espécimes encontravam-se sem conservantes ou já dessecados: 96 trematodeos digenéticos, 45 cestoides, 22 acantocéfalos, 357 nematoides, quatro hirudíneos e quatro crustáceos pentastomídeos. A técnica de reidratação dos espécimes, utilizando-se apenas água destilada, mostrou-se eficiente na recuperação da maleabilidade tegumentar de todas as amostras trabalhadas no presente estudo.(AU)

Colheita de sêmen e inseminação artificial em onças-pintadas (Panthera onca) / Semen collection and artificial insemination in jaguars (Panthera onca)

A onça-pintada encontra-se classificada como "quase ameaçada" na lista vermelha de animais ameaçados da União Internacional para Conservação da Natureza (IUCN), com tendência ao declínio na América Latina, o que pode afetar o fluxo gênico elevando o risco de endogamia. Técnicas de reprodução assistida (TRAs) como colheita de sêmen e inseminação artificial (IA), são ferramentas que podem se tornar essenciais a manutenção da diversidade genética desses animais. A colheita de sêmen pode ser realizada por eletroejaculação (EEJ) ou colheita farmacológica (CF), sendo que podem ser aplicadas individualmente ou associadas, embora EEJ tenha se mostrado mais eficiente em inseminação artificial (IA) com sêmen a fresco. Para realização de IA a utilização de progestina oral (altrenogest), seguida da aplicação de gonadotropinas exógenas (Gonadotropina Coriônica equina-eCG e Hormônio Luteinizante suíno-pLH), tem se mostrado eficiente, promovendo ovulações consistentes. IA intratubárica (IA-IT) mostrou-se eficiente, tendo a vantagem de utilizar sêmen com baixo número de espermatozoides. O sucesso alcançado com o nascimento do primeiro filhote de Panthera onca utilizando TRAs se deve a vários fatores, dentre eles, a utilização de um novo protocolo hormonal ajustado à espécie; e a utilização da IA-IT, que possibilitou a utilização de sêmen com reduzido número de espermatozoides viáveis por inseminação.(AU)

The jaguar is classified as "near threatened" according International Union for Conservation of Nature red list, with a decreasing trend in the population of Latin America, increasing the risk of inbreeding. Assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs), such as semen collection and artificial insemination (AI), are tools that can become essential to maintain the genetic diversity of jaguars. Semen collection can be performed by electroejaculation (EEJ) or pharmacological collection (PC); and can be applied individually or associated, however EEJ was more efficient for artificial insemination (AI) with fresh semen. To perform Artificial Insemination (AI), oral progestin (altrenogest) followed exogenous gonadotropins (Gonadotropin Chorionic equine-eCG e Hormone Luteinizing porcine-pLH) application was efficient, promoting consistent ovulations. Similarly, laparoscopic oviductal insemination (IA-IT) was efficient, with the advantage to use low viable spermatozoa number by insemination. The success of jaguar cub birth using ARTs is due to several factors, among than, a new hormonal protocol adjusted to the species; and the use of IA-IT, which allowed the reduction in the number of sperm by insemination.(AU)

Quality indicators in colonoscopy: observational study in a supplementary health system

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is responsible for 9.4% of cancer deaths, and low polyp detection rate and cecal intubation rate increase the risks of interval colorectal cancer. Despite several population studies that address colonoscopy quality measures, there is still a shortage of these studies in Latin America. The aim of this study was to assess quality indicators in colonoscopy, enabling future strategies to improve colorectal cancer prevention. Methods: An observational retrospective study, in which all colonoscopies performed in 11 hospitals were evaluated through a review of medical records. Information such as procedure indication, colorectal polyp detection rate, cecal intubation rate, quality of colonic preparation, and immediate adverse events were collected and analyzed. Results: In 17,448 colonoscopies performed by 86 endoscopists, 57.9% were in patients aged 50 to 74 years old. Colon preparation was adequate in 94.4% procedures, with rates of cecal intubation and polyp detection of 94 and 36.6%, respectively. Acute adverse events occurred in 0.2%. In 53.9%, high-definition imaging equipment was used. The procedure location, colon preparation and high-definition equipment influenced polyp detection rates (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The extraction and analysis of electronic medical records showed that there are opportunities for improvement in colonoscopy quality indicators in the participating hospitals.

Condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado comercializado no mercado ver-o-peso, Belém ­ PA, Brasil / Hygienic and sanitary conditions of fish sold at the ver-o-peso market, Belém - PA, Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar as condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado comercializado no Mercado de Ferro, localizado no Ver-o-Peso em Belém ­ Pará. O Ver-o-Peso, também conhecido como a maior feira a céu aberto da América Latina, comercializa diariamente uma variedade de pescado fresco da região. O pescado é um alimento rico em nutrientes e muito suscetível ao crescimento microbiano, assim, a falta de boas práticas higiênicas e sanitárias na produção do mesmo pode gerar risco à saúde dos consumidores. Desse modo, é importante salientar que os mercados públicos que vendem pescado, na maioria das vezes, não seguem as legislações sanitárias vigentes, o que acaba comprometendo a qualidade do alimento. A população vem exigindo cada vez mais a qualidade dos alimentos, e isto se deve ao aumento da ocorrência de surtos de Doenças Alimentares no mundo. Este estudo foi realizado usando como base a RDC n° 216 (BRASIL, 2004) que determina as boas práticas para serviços de alimentação e a RDC nº 275 (BRASIL, 2002) para elaboração do checklist adaptado utilizado nas visitas técnicas, cujos itens foram classificados com os seguintes critérios: Conforme (C) ­ em conformidade com a legislação em relação às Boas Práticas; Não Conforme (NC) ­ não se encontra em conformidade. Como resultado das visitas realizadas no Mercado de Ferro foram observados e classificados como Não Conforme (NC) os itens de higiene, organização da área e disposição dos resíduos, paramentação e hábitos de higiene do manipulador, as barreiras sanitárias, a classificação por cores das caixas plásticas contendo produto e o contato direto com o piso, organização e exposição do pescado nas bancadas dos boxes, medidas para evitar a contaminação cruzada, ausência de termômetro, e o armazenamento dos produtos. Constatou-se como Conforme (C) os itens de obtenção e distribuição da água, presença de adornos, unhas esmaltadas e barba/ bigode, e a ausência de animais domésticos. Concluiu-se que as condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado comercializado no mercado estavam precárias, com muitas inadequações. Existe a necessidade dos manipuladores receberem constante capacitação sobre as Boas Práticas de Manipulação, assim como, a presença da fiscalização no mercado de forma regular.(AU)

This study aimed to analyze the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the fish sold at the Iron Market, located at Ver-o-Peso in Belém ­ Pará. Ver-o-Peso, also known as the largest open-air fair in Latin America, sells a variety of fresh fish from the region daily. Seafood is a food rich in nutrients and very susceptible to microbial growth, so the lack of good hygienic and sanitary practices in its production can generate a risk to the health of consumers. Thus, it is important to point out that public markets that sell seafood, most of the time, do not follow the current health legislation, which ends up compromising the quality of the food. The population has been demanding more and more the quality of food, and this is due to the increase in the occurrence of outbreaks of Food Illnesses in the world. This study was carried out using as a basis RDC No. 216 (BRASIL, 2004) which determines good practices for food services and RDC No. 275 (BRASIL, 2002) for the elaboration of the adapted checklist used in technical visits, whose items were classified with the following criteria: Conform (C) ­ in accordance with the legislation in relation to Good Practices; Non-Compliant (NC) ­ not in compliance. As a result of the visits carried out at the Iron Market, hygiene items, organization of the area and disposal of waste, clothing and hygiene habits of the handler, sanitary barriers, the color classification of the boxes were observed and classified as Non-Conform (NC). plastic containers containing product and direct contact with the floor, organization and exposure of the fish on the benches of the boxes, measures to avoid cross-contamination, absence of a thermometer, and the storage of products. It was found as Conform (C) the items of obtaining and distributing water, presence of adornments, enameled nails and beard/mustache, and the absence of domestic animals. It was concluded that the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the fish sold in the market were precarious, with many inadequacies. There is a need for handlers to receive constant training on Good Handling Practices, as well as the presence of inspection in the market on a regular basis.(AU)

Análise quantitativa da receptividade a presença de abrigos de morcegos hematófagos Desmodus rotundus no município de São Pedro - SP / Quantitative analysis of the receptivity of the presence of vampire bats Desmodus rotundus shelters in the municipality of São Pedro - SP / Análisis cuantitativo de la receptividad de la presencia de hematophagus bat shelters Desmodus rotundus en el municipio de São Pedro - SP

O morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus é o principal transmissor da raiva dos herbívoros, responsável por enormes prejuízos econômicos na pecuária na América Latina. Devido às interações de D. rotundus como meio ambiente, o risco da raiva nos herbívoros pode ser explicado pela vulnerabilidade e a receptividade do ambiente a capacidade do ecossistema albergar populações de D. rotundus. Utilizando de Sistema de Informações Geográficas foram analisados quantitativamente os seguintes determinantes de receptividade em que se encontravam os abrigos de morcegos hematófagos D. rotundus nomunicípio de SãoPedro - SP: tipo de solo e geologia, uso e cobertura do solo, declividade, hipsometria e proximidade a corpos de água. Foram localizados oito abrigos de D. rotundus, sendo dois abrigos naturais: uma gruta de arenito de Geologia Formação Piramboia e Neossolo Quartzarênico habitada por apenas um morcego, e outra gruta basáltica de Geologia Formação Itaqueri e Latossolo Vermelho-amarelo comum a população estimada de 100 D. rotundus. 75% dos abrigos estava em áreas de pastagem e cana de açúcar, seguido por áreas de vegetação nativa e vegetação riparia associada a pastagens. A presença de abrigos de D. rotundus em áreas de cultura canavieira e pastoril em quantidade superior a áreas de cobertura florestal ressalta a importância de oferta de abrigos artificiais em áreas agrícolas. A declividade do terreno em que se encontravam os abrigos variou de 3% a 29%. 62,5% dos abrigos estavam em áreas com baixas declividades com presença de pastagens, porém próximos a áreas de relevo mais escarpado e vegetação nativa com altitudes que variaram entre 475 m e 929 m. Todos os abrigos estavam localizados próximos a corpos d'agua. Apesar de corpos d'agua não constarem como fator de receptividade à presença de abrigos de D. rotundus no modelo epidemiológico indicado pelo Manual de Combate a Raiva dos Herbívoros - MAPA, no presente estudo a proximidade de todos os abrigos de D. rotundus a corpos d'agua evidencia a importância deste fator na receptividade ambiental à presença de abrigos destes morcegos, tornando relevante a inclusão deste fator nos modelos epidemiológicos de controle da raiva dos herbívoros. Desta forma faz-se necessária uma reavaliação da importância dos fatores de receptividade à presença de abrigos de D. rotundus nos modelos epidemiológicos, considerando a escala e particularidades de cada região em estudo, a inclusão outros tipos de formação geológica além da calcária para formação de abrigos naturais, a inclusão de novos tipos e cobertura de solo e a proximidade de corpos d'agua.

The vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is the main transmitter rabies in herbivores, responsible for enormous economic losses in livestock in Latin America. Due to interactions of D. rotundus with the environment, the risk of rabies in herbivores can be explained by the vulnerability and receptiveness of the environment to the capacity of the ecosystem to support populations of D. rotundus. Using a Geographic Information System, the following determinants of receptivity were quantitatively analyzed in which the vampire bat roosts D. rotundus were found in the city of São Pedro - SP: soil type and geology, land use and cover, slope, hypsometry and proximity to water bodies. Eight D. rotundus shelters were located, two of which were natural: as and stone cave of Piramboia Formation Geology and Quartzarênic Neosol inhabited by only one bat, and another basaltic cave of Itaqueri Formation Geology and Red-yellow Latosol with an estimated population of 100 D. rotundus. 75% of the shelters were in pasture and sugar cane areas, followed by areas of native vegetation and riparian vegetation associated with pastures. The presence of D. rotundus shelters in sugar cane and pastoral areas in a greater quantity than in forest cover areas highlights the importance of offering artificial shelters in agricultural areas. The slope of the land on which the shelters were located ranged from 3% to 29%. 62.5% of the shelters were in areas with lows lopes with the presence of pastures, but close to areas with more rugged relief and native vegetation with altitudes ranging between 475m and 929m. All shelters were located close to bodies of water. Although bodies of water do not appear as a factor of receptivity to the presence of shelters of D. rotundus in the epidemiological model indicated by the Herbivore Rabies Control Manual - MAPA, in the present study the proximity of all roosts of D. rotundus to water bodies highlights the importance of this factor in environmental receptivity to the presence of roosts for these bats, making it relevant to include this factor in epidemiological models for controlling rabies in herbivores. Thus, it is necessary to reassess the importance of factors of receptivity to the presence of D. rotundus roosts in epidemiological models, considering the scale and particularities of each region under study, the inclusion of other types of geological formation in addition to limestone for the formation of natural shelters, the inclusion of new types and land cover and the proximity of water bodies.

El murciélago vampiro Desmodus rotundus es el principal transmisor de la rabia herbívora, responsable de enormes pérdidas económicas en la ganadería en América Latina. Debido a las interacciones de D. rotundus con el medio ambiente, el riesgo de rabia en herbívoros puede explicarse por la vulnerabilidad y receptividad del medio ambiente a la capacidad del ecosistema para sustentar poblaciones de D. rotundus. Utilizando un Sistema de Información Geográfica, se analizaron cuantitativamente los siguientes determinantes de la receptividad en los que se encontraron los refugios de murciélagos vampiro D. rotundus en la ciudad de São Pedro SP: tipo de suelo y geología, uso y cobertura del suelo, pendiente, hipsometría y proximidad a cuerpos de agua. Se ubicaron ocho refugios de D.rotundus, siendo dos refugios naturales: una cueva de arenisca de Geología de la Formación Piramboia y Quartzarênico Neosol habitada por un solo murciélago, y otra cueva basáltica de Geología de la Formación Itaqueri y Latosol Rojo-amarillo con una población estimada de 100 D. rotundus. El 75% de los refugios estaban en áreas de pastos y caña de azúcar, seguidos de áreas de vegetación nativa y vegetación de ribera asociada a pastos. La presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en áreas cañeras y pastorales en mayor cantidad que en áreas de cobertura forestal resalta la importancia de ofrecer refugios artificiales en áreas agrícolas. La pendiente del terreno en el que se ubicaron los refugios osciló entre el 3% y el 29%. El 62,5% de los refugios se encontraban en zonas de baja pendiente con presencia de pastos, pero próximas a zonas de relieve más accidentado y vegetación autóctona con altitudes que oscilan entre 475 my 929 m. Todos los refugios estaban ubicados cerca de cuerpos de agua. Si bien los cuerpos de agua no aparecen como factor de receptividad a la presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en el modelo epidemiológico indicado por el Manual de Combate a la Rabia de Herbívoros - MAPA, en el presente estudio la proximidad de todos los refugios de D. rotundus to bodies d'agua destaca la importancia de este factor en la receptividad ambiental a la presencia de refugios para estos murciélagos, por lo que es relevante incluir este factor en los modelos epidemiológicos para el control de la rabia en herbívoros. Así, es necesario reevaluar la importancia de los factores de receptividad a la presencia de refugios de D. rotundus en los modelos epidemiológicos, considerando la escala y particularidades de cada región en estudio, la inclusión de otros tipos de formación geológica además de la caliza para la formación de refugios naturales, inclusión de nuevos tipos y coberturas terrestres y proximidad de cuerpos de agua.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in small ruminants in the states of Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará and Paraíba / Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra Brucella lisa em pequenos ruminantes dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widespread almost all over the world, representing a significant economic and public health problem. Brucella melitensis, B. suis and B. abortus are considered the most pathogenic species for humans. The most virulent species, B. melitensis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly the biovar 3 in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Some Latin American countries are seriously affected by biovar 1, especially Mexico, Peru and northern Argentina. Furthermore, while Brazil is considered free of this etiologic agent, one recurrent question is whether this infection really does not occur in Brazil or there is a lack of research/data on the subject. To answer this question, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in goats and sheep in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba, Ceará and Paraíba. All samples were screened by the Rose Bengal test (RBT). The complement fixation (CFT) and the fluorescence polarization (FPT) tests were used as confirmatory tests. There were no positive samples in the confirmatory tests (both CFT and FPT). We, therefore, conclude that this result reinforces the previous knowledge regarding the exotic status of B. melitensis infection in Brazil.

A brucelose é uma das doenças de caráter zoonótico mais difundidas no mundo, representando um grande problema econômico e de saúde pública. A Brucella melitensis, a B. suis e a B. abortus são consideradas as mais patogênicas espécies para humanos. A espécie apontada como a mais virulenta é a B. melitensis, endêmica em várias partes do mundo, particularmente o biovar 3 na região do Mediterrâneo e na Europa Oriental. Alguns países da América Latina são seriamente afetados pelo biovar 1, especialmente México, Peru e norte da Argentina. O Brasil é considerado livre desse agente etiológico, porém sempre há o questionamento se a infecção não ocorre ou se falta pesquisa. Diante dessa questão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra amostras lisas de Brucella em caprinos e ovinos dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba. Todas as amostras foram submetidas triagem pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Como testes confirmatórios, utilizou-se a reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e também o teste de polarização fluorescente (TPF). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva nos testes confirmatórios (RFC e TPF). Esse resultado comprova que a infecção por B. melitensis é exótica no Brasil.

Upland rice: phenotypic diversity for drought tolerance

Upland rice is cultivated mostly in Latin America and Africa by small farmers and in areas with risk of dry spells. This study evaluated morphophysiological mechanisms of upland rice associated to drought adaptation. A set of 25 upland rice genotypes were grown in a plant phenotyping platform during 2015 and 2017 under regular irrigation and water restriction. We evaluated morphophysiological traits in shoots (vegetative structures growth, gas exchange, water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, water status) and roots (length, surface area, volume and diameter), as well as agronomic traits (grain yield and its components). There was a reduction in grain yield by up to 54 % and 58 % in 2015 and 2017, respectively, under water deficit. Five upland rice genotypes with the best yield performances in both water treatments applied were recommended to the upland rice-breeding program: Bico Ganga, BRS Esmeralda, BRSMG Curinga, Guarani, and Rabo de Burro. In this study, morphophysiological traits associated to drought tolerance concerned the plant high capacity to save water in the leaves, low leaf water potential, high ability to reduce vegetative structures, high water use efficiency, high photosynthetic capacity, and improved capacity to absorb water from drying soil, either by osmotic adjustment or additional investment into the root system. Therefore, we concluded that different secondary traits contributed to drought tolerance and should be evaluated along with grain yield to improve efficiency of breeding selection.(AU)

Upland rice: phenotypic diversity for drought tolerance

Upland rice is cultivated mostly in Latin America and Africa by small farmers and in areas with risk of dry spells. This study evaluated morphophysiological mechanisms of upland rice associated to drought adaptation. A set of 25 upland rice genotypes were grown in a plant phenotyping platform during 2015 and 2017 under regular irrigation and water restriction. We evaluated morphophysiological traits in shoots (vegetative structures growth, gas exchange, water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, water status) and roots (length, surface area, volume and diameter), as well as agronomic traits (grain yield and its components). There was a reduction in grain yield by up to 54 % and 58 % in 2015 and 2017, respectively, under water deficit. Five upland rice genotypes with the best yield performances in both water treatments applied were recommended to the upland rice-breeding program: Bico Ganga, BRS Esmeralda, BRSMG Curinga, Guarani, and Rabo de Burro. In this study, morphophysiological traits associated to drought tolerance concerned the plant high capacity to save water in the leaves, low leaf water potential, high ability to reduce vegetative structures, high water use efficiency, high photosynthetic capacity, and improved capacity to absorb water from drying soil, either by osmotic adjustment or additional investment into the root system. Therefore, we concluded that different secondary traits contributed to drought tolerance and should be evaluated along with grain yield to improve efficiency of breeding selection.

Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in southern Brazilian cardiac patients and their knowledge about the parasitosis and vectors / Soroprevalência da doença de Chagas em pacientes cardíacos do sul do Brasil e seu conhecimento sobre a parasitose e vetores

Chagas disease (CD) is considered a typical low-income population sickness of the developing countries in Latin America. Given the historical relevance of CD in individuals in southern Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil, the aim of this study was to identify the knowledge of the CD and its vectors by cardiac patients, and the prevalence of anti-T cruzi antibodies in these individuals in Pelotas, city located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil. The subjects with cardiac disease were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire as well as two serological tests in order to detect anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. Of the individuals that born in municipalities showing the highest triatomine infestation rates in recent decades, 81.8% were able to recognize the vector insect (p = 0.0042; OR = 5.9), and 83.3% reported either themselves or someone in their families to have CD (p = 0.043, OR = 5.2). Of the 54 patients submitted to serological analysis, only 01 patient (1.9%) was positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a 55 year old man from the rural area of Canguçu county. This study provides support for the evaluation to be extended to other cardiology centers, given the importance of Chagas disease in Brazil.(AU)

A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada uma doença típica da população de baixa renda dos países em desenvolvimento da América Latina. Dada a relevância histórica da DC em indivíduos do sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da doença de Chagas (DC) e seus vetores em pacientes cardíacos, e a prevalência de anticorpos anti-T cruzi nesses indivíduos, em Pelotas, cidade localizada no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Os pacientes cardiopatas foram submetidos a um questionário semiestruturado, e também a dois testes sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi IgG. Dos indivíduos que nasceram em municípios com as maiores taxas de infestação por triatomíneos nas últimas décadas, 81,8% foram capazes de reconhecer o inseto vetor (p = 0,0042; OR = 5,9), e 83,3% relataram que eles próprios ou alguém em suas famílias tem DC (p = 0,043, OR = 5,2). Dos 54 pacientes submetidos à análise sorológica, apenas 01 paciente (1,9%) foi positivo para anticorpos anti-T.cruzi, um homem de 55 anos da área rural do município de Canguçu. Este estudo fornece subsídios para que a avaliação seja estendida a outros centros de cardiologia, devido à importância da doença de Chagas no Brasil.(AU)

Ivermectina e saúde única: reposicionamento e a preocupação com o meio ambiente / Ivermectin and One Health: repositioning and the concern with the environmental

O descobrimento, o sucesso comercial e os benefícios sociais da ivermectina (IVM) sempre foram mundialmente reconhecidos e deu aos seus autores o prêmio Nobel de Medicina/Fisiologia, em 2015. Sua exclusiva ação endectocida e alta segurança permitiram que a IVM fosse imediatamente integrada em vários protocolos sanitários para praticamente todas as espécies animais, incluindo humanos. Entretanto, uso da IVM em larga escala e em alta frequência, acarretou a seleção de parasitos resistentes. Mais recentemente, a IVM vem sendo pesquisada e reposicionada para atuar contra o novo RNA beta-corona vírus SARS-CoV-2, principalmente em países da América Latina. Em outra frente, os impactos ambientais também devem ser considerados, pois a eliminação da IVM em grandes quantidades por animais e humanos pode afetar frágeis ecossistemas aquáticos (ex. sedimentos, crustáceos), assim como, comunidades com baixo desenvolvimento social e pouco acesso a redes de água tratada. O objetivo da presente revisão foi abordar os potenciais novos usos da IVM, reconhecendo a importância do medicamento e sua atuação na Saúde Única, durante a pandemia COVID-19. Médicos-veterinários podem participar desde momento, orientando o seu uso de maneira cuidadosa para mitigar problemas sanitários em humanos e animais. A avaliação criteriosa pode evitar o uso excessivo da IVM, protegendo organismos não-alvo em todo o ecossistema.

The discovery, the commercial success, and the social benefits of ivermectin (IVM) were always recognized worldwide and gave the authors the Nobel price of Medicine/Physiology in 2015. Itsexclusive endectocide activity and great safety allowed IVM to be immediately integrated in various health protocols to practically all animal species, including humans. Even tough, the large-scale and the high frequency of use of IVM has caused the selection of resistant parasites. More recently, IVM is being searched and repositioned to act against the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, mainly in Latin American countries. In another front, environmental protection must also be considered, as the large IVM elimination by humans and animals may affect fragile marine ecosystems (ex. sediments, crustaceans) as well as, unassisted communities with low social development with low access to safe water. The objective of the present review was to cover the potential new uses of IVM recognizing the importance of the compound to One Health, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterinarians can participate in this moment by advising its correct use to mitigate health problems in humans and animals. A careful evaluation may avoid the excessive use of IVM protecting non-target organisms on the entire ecosystem.

Ivermectina e saúde única: reposicionamento e a preocupação com o meio ambiente / Ivermectin and One Health: repositioning and the concern with the environmental

O descobrimento, o sucesso comercial e os benefícios sociais da ivermectina (IVM) sempre foram mundialmente reconhecidos e deu aos seus autores o prêmio Nobel de Medicina/Fisiologia, em 2015. Sua exclusiva ação endectocida e alta segurança permitiram que a IVM fosse imediatamente integrada em vários protocolos sanitários para praticamente todas as espécies animais, incluindo humanos. Entretanto, uso da IVM em larga escala e em alta frequência, acarretou a seleção de parasitos resistentes. Mais recentemente, a IVM vem sendo pesquisada e reposicionada para atuar contra o novo RNA beta-corona vírus SARS-CoV-2, principalmente em países da América Latina. Em outra frente, os impactos ambientais também devem ser considerados, pois a eliminação da IVM em grandes quantidades por animais e humanos pode afetar frágeis ecossistemas aquáticos (ex. sedimentos, crustáceos), assim como, comunidades com baixo desenvolvimento social e pouco acesso a redes de água tratada. O objetivo da presente revisão foi abordar os potenciais novos usos da IVM, reconhecendo a importância do medicamento e sua atuação na Saúde Única, durante a pandemia COVID-19. Médicos-veterinários podem participar desde momento, orientando o seu uso de maneira cuidadosa para mitigar problemas sanitários em humanos e animais. A avaliação criteriosa pode evitar o uso excessivo da IVM, protegendo organismos não-alvo em todo o ecossistema.(AU)

The discovery, the commercial success, and the social benefits of ivermectin (IVM) were always recognized worldwide and gave the authors the Nobel price of Medicine/Physiology in 2015. Itsexclusive endectocide activity and great safety allowed IVM to be immediately integrated in various health protocols to practically all animal species, including humans. Even tough, the large-scale and the high frequency of use of IVM has caused the selection of resistant parasites. More recently, IVM is being searched and repositioned to act against the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, mainly in Latin American countries. In another front, environmental protection must also be considered, as the large IVM elimination by humans and animals may affect fragile marine ecosystems (ex. sediments, crustaceans) as well as, unassisted communities with low social development with low access to safe water. The objective of the present review was to cover the potential new uses of IVM recognizing the importance of the compound to One Health, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterinarians can participate in this moment by advising its correct use to mitigate health problems in humans and animals. A careful evaluation may avoid the excessive use of IVM protecting non-target organisms on the entire ecosystem.(AU)

Chronic kidney failure following lancehead bite envenoming: a clinical report from the Amazon region

Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening condition, for which emergency care is essential. The Bothrops (lancehead) genus is responsible for most snakebite-related deaths and permanent loss of function in human victims in Latin America. Bothrops spp. venom is a complex mixture of different proteins that are known to cause local necrosis, coagulopathy, and acute kidney injury. However, the long-term effects of these viper envenomings have remained largely understudied. Case presentation: Here, we present a case report of a 46-years old female patient from Las Claritas, Venezuela, who was envenomed by a snake from the Bothrops genus. The patient was followed for a 10-year period, during which she presented oliguric renal failure, culminating in kidney failure 60 months after the envenoming. Conclusion: In Latin America, especially in Brazil, where there is a high prevalence of Bothrops envenoming, it may be relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs. This would reduce late adverse events, such as chronic kidney disease, and optimize public financial resources by avoiding hemodialysis and consequently kidney transplantation.(AU)

Seroprevalence of Chagas disease in Southern Brazilian cardiac patients and their knowledge about the parasitosis and vectors

Abstract Chagas disease (CD) is considered a typical low-income population sickness of the developing countries in Latin America. Given the historical relevance of CD in individuals in southern Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil, the aim of this study was to identify the knowledge of the CD and its vectors by cardiac patients, and the prevalence of anti-T cruzi antibodies in these individuals in Pelotas, city located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil. The subjects with cardiac disease were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire as well as two serological tests in order to detect anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. Of the individuals that born in municipalities showing the highest triatomine infestation rates in recent decades, 81.8% were able to recognize the vector insect (p = 0.0042; OR = 5.9), and 83.3% reported either themselves or someone in their families to have CD (p = 0.043, OR = 5.2). Of the 54 patients submitted to serological analysis, only 01 patient (1.9%) was positive for anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a 55 year old man from the rural area of Canguçu county. This study provides support for the evaluation to be extended to other cardiology centers, given the importance of Chagas disease in Brazil.

Resumo A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada uma doença típica da população de baixa renda dos países em desenvolvimento da América Latina. Dada a relevância histórica da DC em indivíduos do sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o conhecimento da doença de Chagas (DC) e seus vetores em pacientes cardíacos, e a prevalência de anticorpos anti-T cruzi nesses indivíduos, em Pelotas, cidade localizada no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Os pacientes cardiopatas foram submetidos a um questionário semiestruturado, e também a dois testes sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi IgG. Dos indivíduos que nasceram em municípios com as maiores taxas de infestação por triatomíneos nas últimas décadas, 81,8% foram capazes de reconhecer o inseto vetor (p = 0,0042; OR = 5,9), e 83,3% relataram que eles próprios ou alguém em suas famílias tem DC (p = 0,043, OR = 5,2). Dos 54 pacientes submetidos à análise sorológica, apenas 01 paciente (1,9%) foi positivo para anticorpos anti-T.cruzi, um homem de 55 anos da área rural do município de Canguçu. Este estudo fornece subsídios para que a avaliação seja estendida a outros centros de cardiologia, devido à importância da doença de Chagas no Brasil.

Chronic kidney failure following lancehead bite envenoming: a clinical report from the Amazon region

Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening condition, for which emergency care is essential. The Bothrops (lancehead) genus is responsible for most snakebite-related deaths and permanent loss of function in human victims in Latin America. Bothrops spp. venom is a complex mixture of different proteins that are known to cause local necrosis, coagulopathy, and acute kidney injury. However, the long-term effects of these viper envenomings have remained largely understudied. Case presentation: Here, we present a case report of a 46-years old female patient from Las Claritas, Venezuela, who was envenomed by a snake from the Bothrops genus. The patient was followed for a 10-year period, during which she presented oliguric renal failure, culminating in kidney failure 60 months after the envenoming. Conclusion: In Latin America, especially in Brazil, where there is a high prevalence of Bothrops envenoming, it may be relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs. This would reduce late adverse events, such as chronic kidney disease, and optimize public financial resources by avoiding hemodialysis and consequently kidney transplantation.(AU)

Identification and characterization of the first endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitor from a non-venomous tropical snake, Boa constrictor (Serpentes: Boidae)

Abstract Background: Endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood (sbPLIs) have been isolated from several species around the world, with the primary function of self-protection against the action of toxic phospholipases A2. In American snakes, sbPLIs were solely described in pit vipers, in which the natural protection role is justified. In this study, we described a sbPLI in Boa constrictor (popularly known as jiboia), a non-venomous snake species from America. Methods: PLA2 inhibitory activity was tested in the blood plasma of B. constrictor using C. d. terrificus venom as the enzyme source. Antibodies developed against CNF, a sbγPLI from Crotalus durissus terrificus, were used to investigate the presence of homologues in the blood plasma of B. constrictor. A CNF-like molecule with a PLA2 inhibitory activity was purified by column chromatography. The encoding gene for the inhibitor was cloned from B. constrictor liver tissue. The DNA fragment was cloned, purified and sequenced. The deduced primary sequence of interest was aligned with known sbγPLIs from the literature. Results: The blood plasma of B. constrictor displayed PLA2 inhibitory activity. A CNF-like molecule (named BcNF) was identified and purified from the blood plasma of B. constrictor. Basic properties such as molecular mass, composing amino acids, and pI were comparable, but BcNF displayed reduced specific activity in PLA2 inhibition. BcNF showed highest identity scores (ISs) with sbγPLIs from pit vipers from Latin America (90-100%), followed by gamma inhibitors from Asian viperid (80-90%). ISs below 70% were obtained for BcNF and non-venomous species from Asia. Conclusion: A functional sbγPLI (BcNF) was described in the blood plasma of B. constrictor. BcNF displayed higher primary identity with sbγPLIs from Viperidae than to sbγPLIs from non-venomous species from Asia. The physiological role played by sbγPLIs in non-venomous snake species remains to be understood. Further investigation is needed.(AU)

Characteristics and attitudes of small-scale vegetable farmers in Chile / Características e atitudes de pequenos agricultores de hortaliças no Chile

An adequate supply of fresh, high quality and accessible vegetables is essential for a healthy food system. In Latin America, these are mostly produced by smallholder farmers. The objective of this research was to characterize the productive and commercial development of small-scale vegetable growers and to further understand and explain their attitudes on their business. A total of 335 farmers in Central Chile area were surveyed. The data was processed using descriptive and multivariate techniques. Results showed that farmers have a positive self-assessment of their technical performance, production quality and the contribution of farming to their household income. They express uncertainty about the future, as well as some disappointment with the prices they receive for their produce and their access to public support programs. There are significant differences between farmers within the sample; however, which allow two distinct clusters to be identified: conformist (69.05%) and critical (30.95%). These results suggested that these small-scale vegetable growers have certain generalizable attitudes and other divergent. The differences in attitudes coincide with differences in objective characteristics, including age, education, farm size and technology.(AU)

O fornecimento de vegetais frescos, de qualidade e acessíveis, são essenciais para um sistema alimentar saudável. Na América Latina, essa produção está principalmente nas mãos dos pequenos agricultores. O objetivo desta pesquisa é caracterizar o desenvolvimento produtivo e comercial de pequenos produtores de hortaliças e entender e explicar melhor suas atitudes em relação à atividade. No total, foram pesquisados 335 agricultores no centro do Chile. Os dados coletados foram processados usando técnicas descritivas e multivariadas. Como resultados, se encontraram uma avaliação geral positiva do desempenho técnico, da qualidade da produção e da contribuição para a renda familiar, embora acompanhada de uma incerteza sobre o futuro. Os entrevistados expressaram decepções sobre alguns aspectos, como preço de venda e acesso a programas de apoio público. No entanto, existem diferenças significativas na amostra que permitem a identificação de dois grupos: conformistas (69,05%) e crítico (30,95%). Esses resultados sugerem que, no caso analisado, os pequenos produtores de hortaliças têm certas atitudes generalizáveis e outras divergentes. As diferenças de atitudes são coincidentes com as características objetivas, como idade, escolaridade, tamanho da fazenda e tecnologia.(AU)

Clinical assessment and pathophysiology of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury: a scoping review

Bothrops are one of the most common medically important snakes found in Latin America. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic and proteolytic, which means that local lesion (edema and redness) and hemorrhagic symptoms are recurrent in envenoming by this snake. Although hemorrhage is usually the major cause of death, snakebite-related acute kidney injury is another potentially fatal clinical complication that may lead to chronic kidney disease. The present review highlights the main studies on Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury, including observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. The following descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar "acute kidney injury" or "kidney disease" and "Bothrops"; on Lilacs and SciELO "kidney disease" or "acute kidney injury" and "Bothrops". Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to appraise the quality of the cross-sectional and cohort studies included. The selection of more severe patients who looked for health care units and tertiary centers is a risk of bias. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, a critical analysis of the results was performed based on the hypothesis that the design of the included studies influences the incidence of acute kidney injury. Fifteen human studies (total participants 4624) were included according to stablished criteria. The coagulation abnormalities (hemorrhagic symptoms, abnormal fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time) were associated with acute kidney injury in the most recent studies reported. The findings observed in this review provide up-to-date evidence about the acute kidney injury pathogenesis following Bothrops syndrome. Studies pointed out that coagulation abnormalities comprise the major pathway for acute kidney injury development. This review may improve patient management by primary healthcare providers, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury.(AU)

Identification and characterization of the first endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitor from a non-venomous tropical snake, Boa constrictor (Serpentes: Boidae)

Background:Endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood (sbPLIs) have been isolated from several species around the world, with the primary function of self-protection against the action of toxic phospholipases A2. In American snakes, sbPLIs were solely described in pit vipers, in which the natural protection role is justified. In this study, we described a sbPLI in Boa constrictor (popularly known as jiboia), a non-venomous snake species from America.Methods:PLA2 inhibitory activity was tested in the blood plasma of B. constrictor using C. d. terrificus venom as the enzyme source. Antibodies developed against CNF, a sbγPLI from Crotalus durissus terrificus, were used to investigate the presence of homologues in the blood plasma of B. constrictor. A CNF-like molecule with a PLA2 inhibitory activity was purified by column chromatography. The encoding gene for the inhibitor was cloned from B. constrictor liver tissue. The DNA fragment was cloned, purified and sequenced. The deduced primary sequence of interest was aligned with known sbγPLIs from the literature.Results:The blood plasma of B. constrictor displayed PLA2 inhibitory activity. A CNF-like molecule (named BcNF) was identified and purified from the blood plasma of B. constrictor. Basic properties such as molecular mass, composing amino acids, and pI were comparable, but BcNF displayed reduced specific activity in PLA2 inhibition. BcNF showed highest identity scores (ISs) with sbγPLIs from pit vipers from Latin America (90-100%), followed by gamma inhibitors from Asian viperid (80-90%). ISs below 70% were obtained for BcNF and non-venomous species from Asia.Conclusion:A functional sbγPLI (BcNF) was described in the blood plasma of B. constrictor. BcNF displayed higher primary identity with sbγPLIs from Viperidae than...(AU)