Start-up of an aerobic granular sludge system from stored granules: Evaluating the impact of storage period on biomass activity and stability and the effect of temperature on nitrification and phosphorus removal rates.

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been considered a breakthrough within the wastewater treatment sector. However, the long reactor start-up for the formation of granules is challenging and may hinder the spread of this technology. To circumvent this obstacle, inoculation of the reactors with pre-formed granules from existing plants is an interesting approach. In this context, issues related to biomass storage becomes very relevant. In this study, reactivation of aerobic granular biomass after storage was evaluated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) designed for achieving simultaneous organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Two different scenarios, short (40 days) and long (180 days) storage periods, were assessed, and their influence on the granules physical properties and bioactivity was addressed. The results revealed that the granules stored for a shorter period showed higher resistance to breakage and underwent smooth color changes. On the other hand, the biomass stored for a longer period acquired a dark color and was more susceptible to disruption during reactivation. The granules stored for 6 months become swollen and exhibited an irregular morphology and fluffy structure within the first days of reactivation. Consequently, their settling properties were adversely affected, and some parameters such as the food-to-microorganism ratio had to be adjusted to prevent granules disintegration. Regarding the bioactivity of important microbial functional groups, COD removal was rapidly restored within a few days of SBR operation with the biomass stored for a shorter period. However, it took longer for the biomass stored for 180 days to reach the same performance observed for the granules stored for 40 days. A similar trend is valid for nitrification. In the experiments with sludge stored for a longer time, it took almost twice as long to reach effluent ammonium concentrations lower than 1 mg NH4+-N L-1 compared to the test using biomass stored for 40 days. Phosphate removal was strongly affected by biomass storage, especially after 180 days of inactivity, a condition found to be detrimental for polyphosphate-accumulating organisms. Finally, cycle tests were also conducted to assess substrate conversion rates for comparison between different trials and evaluate the influence of temperature (10-35 °C) on nitrification and phosphate removal rates.

Mucosal Bacteria Modulate Candida albicans Virulence in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most prevalent oral infection in immunocompromised patients, primarily associated with Candida albicans. Increasing evidence points to a significant role of mucosal bacteria on the transition of C. albicans from commensal to pathogenic. In this work, we hypothesized that changes in the abundance or composition of the mucosal bacterial microbiota induced by dietary sucrose during the development of OPC can modulate C. albicans virulence. C. albicans burdens and mucosal lesions were evaluated in a mouse cortisone immunosuppression model amended with sucrose. We also analyzed the mucosal bacterial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and culture methods. In immunocompetent mice, sucrose significantly increased total bacterial burdens and reduced alpha diversity, by increasing the relative abundance of mitis group streptococci. In immunocompromised mice, C. albicans infection was associated with a significantly reduced bacterial alpha diversity due to an increase in the relative abundance of enterococci. When exposed to dietary sucrose, these mice had reduced C. albicans burdens and reduced bacterial alpha diversity, associated with an increase in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. SparCC correlation networks showed a significant negative correlation between Lactobacillus and Enterococcus in all Candida-infected mice. Depletion of lactobacilli with antibiotic treatment partially restored C. albicans burdens in mice receiving sucrose. In coculture in vitro experiments, mouse oral Lactobacillus johnsonii isolates inhibited growth of Enterococcus faecalis isolates and C. albicans. These results support the hypothesis that the sucrose-induced attenuation of C. albicans virulence was a result of changes in the mucosal bacterial microbiome characterized by a reduction in enterococci and an increase in lactobacilli. IMPORTANCE By comparing Candida albicans virulence and the mucosal bacterial composition in a mouse oral infection model, we were able to dissect the effects of the host environment (immunosuppression), infection with C. albicans, and local modulating factors (availability of sucrose as a carbon source) on the mucosal bacterial microbiome and its role on fungal virulence. We showed that changes in endogenous microbial communities in response to sucrose can lead to attenuation of fungal disease. We also showed that Lactobacillus johnsonii may curtail Candida virulence both by inhibiting its growth and by inhibiting the growth of potentially synergistic bacteria such as enterococci. Our results support the concept that Candida pathogenesis should be viewed in the contexts of both a susceptible host and a mucosal bacterial microbiota conducive to virulence.

Micromorphometry and cellular characteristics of the canine cervical intervertebral discs.

BACKGROUND: Dogs have a high prevalence of disc-associated cervical spinal cord disorders. Despite this, there are no descriptions of the micromorphometry or cellular characteristics of canine cervical intervertebral discs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare micromorphometric and cellular characteristics at 4 disc regions (outer annulus [OA], inner annulus [IA], transitional zone [TZ], nucleus pulposus [NP]). We hypothesized that measurements would differ between chondrodystrophic (CH) and nonchondrodystrophic (NCH) dogs. ANIMALS: Six CH dogs and 6 NCH dogs, under 3 years old. METHODS: Histologic sections of all cervical discs from each dog were examined. Micromorphometric variables included relative ratio of ventral to dorsal annulus fibrosus (AF), number and mean width of AF fibers, and relative percentage of NP. Cellular variables included cell density, morphology, and grouping. RESULTS: The NP from CH dogs was smaller, more rounded, and more dorsally located compared with that from NCH dogs. The NP occupied a greater proportion of the disc in NCH dogs compared with CH dogs (27.7 versus 15.8%; P<.001). The ratio of ventral to dorsal AF was approximately 3:1 in the CH group and 2:1 in the NCH group. Cellular variables were region dependent. Cell density was 2.4-fold higher in the OA compared with the NP. Approximately 50 of NP cells and 4.5% of OA cells occurred in groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Micromorphometric variables differed by CH status. Cellular variables differed by disc region. Our findings potentially can explain the high incidence of intervertebral disc extrusions in CH dogs compared with NCH dogs.

p19Arf sensitizes B16 melanoma cells to interferon-ß delivered via mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

The immune stimulatory and anti-neoplastic functions of type I interferon have long been applied for the treatment of melanoma. However, the systemic application of high levels of this recombinant protein is often met with toxicity. An approach that provides localized, yet transient, production of type I interferon may overcome this limitation. We propose that the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as delivery vehicles for the production of interferon-ß (IFNß) may be beneficial when applied together with our cancer gene therapy approach. In our previous studies, we have shown that adenovirus-mediated gene therapy with IFNß was especially effective in combination with p19Arf gene transfer, resulting in immunogenic cell death. Here we showed that MSCs derived from mouse adipose tissue were susceptible to transduction with adenovirus, expressed the transgene reliably, and yet were not especially sensitive to IFNß production. MSCs used to produce IFNß inhibited B16 mouse melanoma cells in a co-culture assay. Moreover, the presence of p19Arf in the B16 cells sensitizes them to the IFNß produced by the MSCs. These data represent a critical demonstration of the use of MSCs as carriers of adenovirus encoding IFNß and applied as an anti-cancer strategy in combination with p19Arf gene therapy.

How do leaf wetting events affect gas exchange and leaf lifespan of plants from seasonally dry tropical vegetation?

Foliar uptake of dew is likely an important mechanism of water acquisition for plants from tropical dry environments. However, there is still limited experimental evidence describing the anatomical pathways involved in this process and the effects of this water subsidy on the maintenance of gas exchange and leaf lifespan of species from seasonally dry tropical vegetation such as the Brazilian caatinga. We performed scanning electron, bright-field and confocal microscopic analyses and used apoplastic tracers to examine the foliar water uptake (FWU) routes in four woody species with different foliar phenology and widely distributed in the caatinga. Leaves of plants subjected to water stress were exposed to dew simulation to evaluate the effects of the FWU on leaf water potentials, gas exchange and leaf lifespan. All species absorbed water through their leaf cuticles and/or peltate trichomes but FWU capacity differed among species. Leaf wetting by dew increased leaf lifespan duration up to 36 days compared to plants in the drought treatment. A positive effect on leaf gas exchange and new leaf production was only observed in the anisohydric and evergreen species. We showed that leaf wetting by dew is relevant for the physiology and leaf lifespan of plants from seasonally dry tropical vegetation, especially for evergreen species.

MRI measurement of the canine auditory pathways and relationship with brainstem auditory evoked responses.

The objective of this study was to determine direct measurements of auditory pathways by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the growth period of healthy Beagles, and to discover how canine brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) latencies vary in relation to these MRI measurements. Eighty healthy Beagles were tested at eight, 16 and 52 weeks of age (stages 1, 2, 3, respectively) with BAER and brain MRI. The BAER interpeak latency (IPL) II-V and brain MRI neural generators of BAER waves II and V were identified. A linear distance was calculated in millimeters in order to determine the approximate length of auditory pathways. Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of the auditory pathway between peak II and peak V was calculated for each group. A significant difference was observed between brain MRI distances among the three stages. Mean BAER IPL II-V were not significantly different between the three stages. The progressive growth of the skull and brain witnessed by the progressive increased distance of the MRI auditory pathways between peak II and peak V was not associated with a progressive maturation of the BAER IPL II-V. The SNCV of the auditory pathway between peak II and peak V was 6.14 m/sec for group 1; 6.76 m/sec for group 2; and 7.32 m/sec for group 3.

Neospora caninum bioassay in gerbils using placental tissues from naturally infected goats.

Neospora caninum is one of the main agents that causes abortions in cattle worldwide. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of neosporosis in small ruminants, especially goats. Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) have been used as a model for neosporosis, and this species is highly susceptible to infection by bovine N. caninum strains. The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of gerbils to a N. caninum isolate from goats. The placentas were obtained from naturally infected goats, that presented with mild to severe lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrate, foci of necrosis, calcification and protozoan-like structures. Immunosuppressed gerbils bioassayed with N. caninum-infected placental tissues showed severe neurological signs. Microscopic lesions in these gerbils were characterized by encephalitis, myocarditis, myositis and pancreatitis. These lesions were often associated with a small to moderate number of N. caninum tachyzoites, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. This is the first report showing that goat N. caninum strains could infect immunocompetent gerbils and cause severe lesions and clinical signs in immunosuppressed gerbils.

First-principles calculations and Raman scattering evidence for local symmetry lowering in rhombohedral ilmenite: temperature- and pressure-dependent studies.

ATiO3-type materials may exist in two different crystalline forms: the perovskite and ilmenite. While many papers have devoted their attention to evaluating the structural properties of the perovskite phase, the structural stability of the ilmenite one still remains unsolved. Here, we present our results based on the lattice dynamics and first-principles calculations (density functional theory) of the CdTiO3 ilmenite phase, which are confronted with experimental data obtained through micro Raman spectroscopy that is a very good tool to probe the local crystal structure. Additional Raman bands, which are not foreseen from group-theory for the ilmenite rhombohedral structure, appeared in both low temperature (under vacuum condition) and high-pressure (at room temperature) spectra. The behavior can be explained by considering the local loss of inversion symmetry operation which reduces the overall space group from [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) to [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). Our results can also be extended to other ilmenite-type compositions.

Effect of watershed land use on water quality: a case study in Córrego da Olaria Basin, São Paulo State, Brazil.

The water quality is related to the hydrologic and limnologic properties of ground and surface water, and significant efforts have been made to monitor water sources to understand the effects of land use changes in agricultural areas, with significant socioeconomic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative aspects of surface water in subbasins related to land use. Samples were analyzed in terms of physical and chemical parameters on monthly discrete water quality sampling in four representative sites at first order subbasin streams, located at the Polo Regional Centro Norte, Pindorama County, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The land use classification was made by visual detection technique in a multispectral satellite data obtained from LandSat8- spectral bands of the OLI sensor. The watershed was classified into major land cover/use classes and overlay maps generated in ArcGIS 10 indicated a significant shift from natural vegetation to agriculture activities. Water quality monitoring was according to the brazilian protocol and the results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The values obtained differ significantly at each sampling point - subbasins, reflecting the effects of land use on water quality. Soil conservation management is important to optimize soil use in order to contribute to the control of water pollution and the formulation of a public policy is necessary for the conservation of water and soil resources.

Temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-thienyl)prop-2-en-1-one.

The heterocyclic chalcone containing thiophene ring 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-thienyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C13H9ClOS was synthesized and investigated using experimental techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at room temperature, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) from room temperature to 500K and Raman scattering at the temperature range 10-413K in order to study its structure and vibrational properties as well as stability and possible phase transition. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine the vibrational spectrum viewing to improve the knowledge of the material properties. A reasonable agreement was observed between theoretical and experimental Raman spectrum taken at 10K since anharmonic effects of the molecular motion is reduced at low temperatures, leading to a more comprehensive assignment of the vibrational modes. Increasing the temperature up to 393K, was observed the typical phonon anharmonicity behavior associated to changes in the Raman line intensities, line-widths and red-shift, in special in the external mode region, whereas the internal modes region remains almost unchanged due its strong chemical bonds. Furthermore, C13H9ClOS goes to melting phase transition in the temperature range 393-403K and then sublimates in the temperature range 403-413K. This is denounced by the disappearance of the external modes and the absence of internal modes in the Raman spectra, in accordance with DSC curve. The enthalpy (ΔH) obtained from the integration of the endothermic peak in DSC curve centered at 397K is founded to be 121.5J/g.

Susceptibility of mice to bovine herpesvirus type 5 infection in the central nervous system.

Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is an important pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis in cattle. Few studies have used the mouse as a model for BoHV-5 infection. Despite the fact that BoHV-5 can infect mice with immune deficiencies, little is known about viral replication, immune response, and the course of infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of wild-type mice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response in the CNS of BALB/c mice acutely infected with BoHV-5 at different days post-inoculation (dpi). BoHV-5, when inoculated intracranially, was able to infect and replicate within the CNS of BALB/c mice. Until 15 dpi, the mice were able to survive without showing prominent neurological signs. The infection was accompanied by a Th1 immune response, with a significant expression of the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α and chemokine CCL-2. The expression of these cytokines and chemokines was most significant in the early course of infection (3 and 4 dpi), and it was followed by meningoencephalitis with perivascular cuffing and periventriculitis, composed mainly of macrophages and lymphocytes. After the expression of cytokines and chemokine, the mice were able to curb BoHV-5 acute infection in the brain, since there was a decrease in the number of BoHV-5 DNA copies after 3 dpi and viable viral particles were not detected after 6 dpi. Importantly, BoHV-5 was able to infect the trigeminal ganglia during acute infection, since a large number of BoHV-5 DNA copies were detected on 1 and 2 dpi.

Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy in Doberman Pinschers.

BACKGROUND: The dynamic component of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) currently is evaluated using traction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not assess changes in flexion and extension of the cervical vertebral column. In humans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, kinematic MRI is used to identify dynamic compressions. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and utility of kMRI in Doberman Pinschers with DA-CSM using a novel positioning device. We hypothesized that kMRI would identify compressive lesions not observed with neutral positioning and change the dimensions of the spinal cord and cervical vertebral canal. ANIMALS: Nine client-owned Doberman Pinschers with DA-CSM. METHODS: Prospective study. After standard MR imaging of the cervical spine confirmed DA-CSM, dogs were placed on a positioning device to allow imaging in flexion and extension. Morphologic and morphometric assessments were compared between neutral, flexion, and extension images. RESULTS: Flexion was associated with improvement or resolution of spinal cord compression in 4/9 patients, whereas extension caused worsening of compressions in 6/9 patients. Extension identified 6 new compressive lesions and was significantly associated with dorsal and ventral compression at C5-C6 (P = .021) and C6-C7 (P = .031). A significant decrease in spinal cord height occurred at C6-C7 from neutral to extension (P = .003) and in vertebral canal height at C5-C6 and C6-C7 from neutral to extension (P = .011 and .017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our results suggest that kMRI is feasible and provides additional information beyond what is observed with neutral imaging, primarily when using extension views, in dogs with DA-CSM.

Abundance and spatial-temporal distribution of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Decapoda: Penaeidae): an exploited species in southeast Brazil.

This study evaluated the abundance and spatial-temporal distribution of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in the coastal region of Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Monthly samples were obtained from March 2008 to February 2010 in six stations located in Inner (5, 10 and 15m depth) and Outer (25, 35 and 45m depth) areas. It was used a commercial fishery boat equipped with an otter-trawl net (3.5 m mouth width, mesh size 20mm and 15mm in the cod end). Water samples were taken for determination of temperature and salinity, and sediment samples for determination of texture and organic matter content. A total of 7146 shrimps were sampled. About 95% of all shrimps were caught in the shallow area, i.e., depths <20m. Greatest abundances were recorded in winter and spring. No significant correlation was observed between sediment (phi) and abundance. The distribution of X. kroyeri in the studied area was closely related to seasonal cold waterfront of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) and temperature was the main factor affecting the species abundance.

von Frey anesthesiometry to assess sensory impairment after acute spinal cord injury caused by thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs.

Sensory threshold (ST) was measured using an electric von Frey anesthesiometer (VFA) in all limbs of 20 normal dogs and 29 dogs with acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by spontaneous intervertebral disc extrusion. ST values were measured at three separate time points in normal dogs and on days 3, 10 and 30 following decompressive surgery in dogs with SCI. ST values were compared between groups and correlated with locomotor recovery in SCI-affected dogs. ST values were significantly higher (consistent with hypoalgesia) in the pelvic limbs of SCI-affected dogs at day 3, day 10 and day 30 when compared to normal dogs (P <0.05), while no significant difference in thoracic limb ST values was observed between groups. A progressive decrease in pelvic limb ST values occurred in SCI-affected dogs over time, consistent with improvement toward normal sensation or development of allodynia. This finding correlated inversely with locomotor score at 3 and 10 days after surgery. A significant decline in ST values across testing sessions was observed for all limbs of normal and SCI-affected dogs and may be related to patient acclimation, operator training effect, or effect of analgesic medications. This study supports the feasibility of VFA to assess differences in ST between normal and SCI-affected dogs. However, future studies must focus on techniques to minimize or compensate for clinical, environmental and behavioral factors which may impact ST values in the clinical setting.

A simplified method of walking track analysis to assess short-term locomotor recovery after acute spinal cord injury caused by thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simplified method of walking track analysis to assess treatment outcome in canine spinal cord injury. Measurements of stride length (SL) and base of support (BS) were made using a 'finger painting' technique for footprint analysis in all limbs of 20 normal dogs and 27 dogs with 28 episodes of acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by spontaneous intervertebral disc extrusion. Measurements were determined at three separate time points in normal dogs and on days 3, 10 and 30 following decompressive surgery in dogs with SCI. Values for SL, BS and coefficient of variance (COV) for each parameter were compared between groups at each time point. Mean SL was significantly shorter in all four limbs of SCI-affected dogs at days 3, 10, and 30 compared to normal dogs. SL gradually increased toward normal in the 30 days following surgery. As measured by this technique, the COV-SL was significantly higher in SCI-affected dogs than normal dogs in both thoracic limbs (TL) and pelvic limbs (PL) only at day 3 after surgery. BS-TL was significantly wider in SCI-affected dogs at days 3, 10 and 30 following surgery compared to normal dogs. These findings support the use of footprint parameters to compare locomotor differences between normal and SCI-affected dogs, and to assess recovery from SCI. Additionally, our results underscore important changes in TL locomotion in thoracolumbar SCI-affected dogs.

Evaluation of acute cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic changes in perioperative intravenous antimicrobial applications in cats / [Avaliação das alterações cardiorespiratórias e hemodinâmicas agudas em aplicações pré-operatórias de antimicrobianos, pela via intravenosa, em gatos]

The metabolic peculiarities of felines favor an intoxication. Fifty healthy female cats were divided into five groups: PG (placebo group), G2 (cefazolin), G3 (ceftriaxone), G4 (enrofloxacin) and G5 (ampicillin) were used. The parameters evaluated were: total expired carbon dioxide (ETCO2), oxygen saturation in hemoglobin (SpO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, mBP and DBP) by invasive method, at T0, 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25) and 30 (T30) minutes after administration of the treatments. HR presented reduction in G2 compared to PG at all times, except T20, and in G4, T25 and T30 were lower than the T0 values (P<0.05). BT showed increase in the G3 at T0 and T5 and all groups showed reduction in the values of BT relative to T0 (P<0.05). ETCO2 increased in G2 and G5 at all times compared to PG (P<0.05) and there were no differences among the times within each group. It was concluded that ceftriaxone is safer for the prophylactic antimicrobial use in cats, however the other antimicrobials are also indicated, because all the parameters, in all groups, basically did not change over the study and when this occurs it remains in reference interval.(AU)

As peculiaridades metabólicas dos felinos favorecem quadro de intoxicação. Foram utilizadas 50 gatas saudáveis, que foram divididas em cinco grupos: GP (grupo placebo), G2 (grupo cefazolina), G3 (grupo ceftriaxona), G4 (grupo enrofloxacina) e G5 (grupo ampicilina). Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: dióxido de carbono expirado (ETCO2), saturação de oxigênio na hemoglobina (SpO2), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura corporal (T°C), pressão arterial sistólica,média e diastólica (PAS, PAM e PAD), pelo método invasivo, em 0 (T0), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25) e 30 (T30) minutos após a administração dos tratamentos. A FC apresentou redução no G2 em relação ao GP em todos os momentos, exceto no T20, e, no G4, o T25 e o T30 foram inferiores aos valores do T0 (P<0,05). A T°C apresentou aumento no G3 no T0 e no T5, e todos os grupos apresentaram redução nos valores da T°C em relação ao T0 (P<0,05). O ETCO2 apresentou aumento no G2 e no G5, em todos os momentos, em relação ao GP (P<0,05). Concluiu-se que a ceftriaxona é mais segura para uso profilático em gatos, entretanto os outros antibióticos também são recomendados, pois todos os parâmetros praticamente não se modificaram e, quando alterados, mantiveram-se dentro dos padrões de referência.(AU)

Body conformation in Great Danes with and without clinical signs of cervical spondylomyelopathy.

It has been suggested that a combination of large head and long neck cause abnormal forces on the cervical vertebral column and are involved in the pathogenesis of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in Great Danes. The aim of this study was to compare the body conformation of 15 clinically normal and 15 CSM-affected Great Danes. There were no statistically significant differences between clinically normal and CSM-affected Great Danes in any body measurements. There were no significant associations between body conformation and the severity of neurological signs or cervical vertebral body dimensions determined by magnetic resonance imaging in CSM-affected Great Danes. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that differences in body conformation related to head size, neck length, and body height and length, play a role in the pathogenesis of CSM in Great Danes.

Population biology of the commercially exploited shrimp Artemesia longinaris (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in an upwelling region in the Western Atlantic: comparisons at different latitudes.

This study characterized the population biology of the dendrobranchiate penaeid shrimp Artemesia longinaris Spence Bate, 1888, focusing on population structure, sexual maturity, reproductive period and recruitment, and comparing reproductive parameters of a different populations along western South Atlantic. Samples were collected monthly from March, 2008 to February, 2010 in Macaé, northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, a region influenced by the Cabo Frio upwelling. There was a significantly higher percentage of females and with larger sizes than males. Both carapace length and sexual maturity in Macaé were similar to the dimensions found in populations in the South of the continent (Argentina). Reproductive females were present in all months, with main peaks during winter and summer. Recruitment was also continuous, with peaks, usually one to two months after the appearance of reproductive females, after the reduction of the bottom temperature values of water. These data suggest that November to January would be the appropriate months for legal off-season, due to the higher intensity of spawning females and juveniles during this period. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the biology of A. longinaris, and could also be a reference to monitor this important fishery resource and consequent legal off-season. Furthermore, this population located at the northern limit of the species distribution is a source of highly relevant comparison for population studies in other areas.

Iliofemoral technique modification using an anchor screw as treatment of canine traumatic hip luxation - case report / [Modificação da técnica de sutura iliofemoral com uso de parafuso âncora no tratamento da luxação coxofemoral traumática em cães - relato de caso]

Twelve dogs with traumatic hip luxation were selected for surgical intervention with a modified iliofemoral suture technique using an anchor screw to substitute the passage of suture material through a perforated tunnel in the ilium. Six procedures were performed with non-absorbable suture and other six with absorbable suture materials. These cases were evaluated at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery by performing an ambulation analysis and palpation of the joint. In all cases, there was a return of partial and total limb support in an average of 3 and 19 postoperative, respectively. The fixation strategy of the suture material in the ilium using an anchor screw proved to be efficient with a smaller surgical approach and lesser surgical difficulty, maintaining joint congruence in acute as chronic luxation cases. The use of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures had excellent clinical results, but there was a subjective superiority of the first ones, once 4 dogs of the non-absorbable group presented some discomfort during the postoperative palpation of the joint, 90 days after surgery.(AU)

Doze cães com luxação coxofemoral traumática foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica de sutura iliofemoral modificada com uso de parafuso âncora substituindo a passagem de fio através de túnel perfurado no ílio. Seis procedimentos foram realizados com fio não absorvível, e outros seis com fio absorvível. Os casos foram avaliados aos 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, por meio de análise de deambulação e palpação articular. Em todos os casos, houve retorno de suporte parcial e total do peso no membro operado, em média, aos três e 19 dias de pós-operatório, respectivamente. A estratégia de fixação do fio de sutura no ílio com parafuso âncora se mostrou eficaz, permitindo uma abordagem cirúrgica menos invasiva, com menor dificuldade na execução, garantindo manutenção da congruência articular tanto em quadros de luxação aguda como crônica. O uso de fio absorvível e não absorvível teve bons resultados clínicos, porém houve uma superioridade subjetiva do primeiro, uma vez que quatro pacientes do grupo fio inabsorvível mostraram desconforto à palpação da articulação aos 90 dias após a cirurgia.(AU)

Treatment of a femoral septic nonunion in a dog with interlocking nail stabilization associated to corticospongious bone autograft and greater omentum flap: case report / Tratamento de não união séptica femoral em cão com estabilização com haste intramedular bloqueada associada a autoenxerto de osso corticoesponjoso e retalho do omento maior: relato de caso

Chronic septic bone nonunion requires a well-designed therapeutic planning, demanding a multimodal treatment to achieve bone consolidation and elimination of infection. A successful case of an association of the major omentum flap with surgical stabilization with an interlocking nail for treatment of a femoral septic nonunion in dog is reported. The patient had partial functional return of the limb 30 days after surgery, negative bacterial culture with radiographic signs of bone healing and total functional return of the limb at 90th days after the surgical procedure.(AU)

Não uniões ósseas associadas à osteomielite crônica necessitam de um planejamento terapêutico muito bem realizado, demandando tratamento multimodal para conseguir atingir a consolidação óssea e eliminar a infecção. Relatou-se um caso de sucesso do uso da associação de retalho do omento maior com estabilização cirúrgica com haste intramedular bloqueada para tratamento de uma não união séptica de fêmur em cão. O paciente apresentou retorno funcional parcial do membro com 30 dias após a cirurgia, cultura bacteriana estéril com sinais radiográficos de consolidação óssea e retorno funcional total do membro aos 90 dias de pós-operatório.(AU)