Diagnostic performance of convolutional neural networks for dental sexual dimorphism.

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) led to important solutions in the field of Computer Vision. More recently, forensic sciences benefited from the resources of artificial intelligence, especially in procedures that normally require operator-dependent steps. Forensic tools for sexual dimorphism based on morphological dental traits are available but have limited performance. This study aimed to test the application of a machine learning setup to distinguish females and males using dentomaxillofacial features from a radiographic dataset. The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs (n = 4003) of individuals in the age interval of 6 and 22.9 years. Image annotation was performed with V7 software (V7labs, London, UK). From Scratch (FS) and Transfer Learning (TL) CNN architectures were compared, and diagnostic accuracy tests were used. TL (82%) performed better than FS (71%). The correct classifications of females and males aged ≥ 15 years were 87% and 84%, respectively. For females and males < 15 years, the correct classifications were 80% and 83%, respectively. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) from Receiver-operating Characteristic (ROC) curves showed high classification accuracy between 0.87 and 0.91. The radio-diagnostic use of CNN for sexual dimorphism showed positive outcomes and promising forensic applications to the field of dental human identification.

Utilização de alveoloplastia intrasseptal para correção de acentuada projeção maxilar: relato de caso / Use of intraseptal alveoloplaty for the correction of severe maxillary protrusion: case report

A alveoloplastia intrasseptal, também chamada de Técnica de Dean, é uma técnica cirúrgica utilizada na correção dos rebordos alveolares na qual envolve a remoção do osso intrasseptal e o reposicionamento do osso cortical vestibular. Esta técnica é utilizada em áreas nas quais o rebordo é de contorno relativamente regular e altura adequada, porém apresenta uma depressão no fundo de vestíbulo, devido à configuração do rebordo ósseo. Este trabalho consiste no relato de caso clínico no qual a alveoloplastia pela técnica de Dean foi utilizada na resolução da condição clínica de uma paciente do sexo feminino, que ao exame clínico observou-se a presença de incisivos superiores vestibularizados, grande trespasse horizontal, falta de selamento labial, perfil facial convexo e uma perda óssea visível. O plano de tratamento estabelecido foi a confecção de prótese parcial removível provisória instalada imediatamente após a realização da Alveoloplastia intrasseptal. O resultado obtido foi satisfatório, permitindo uma harmonia estética facial e o selamento labial antes inexistente, o que aumentou a autoestima da paciente, permitindo que o tratamento reabilitador definitivo possa ser realizado com mais tranquilidade.

The intraseptal alveoloplasty, also called Dean Technique, is a surgical technique utilized for the correction of the alveolar ridges, which involves removing the intraseptal bone and repositioning the vestibular cortical bone. This technique is used in areas where the rim is relatively regular and adequate height, but has a depression in the bottom of the vestibule, due to the bone ridge configuration. This paper is a report of clinical case of a alveoloplasty using the Dean technique, witch the purpose was to solve the clinical condition of a female patient, that the clinical examination the presence of maxillary incisors proclined, large overjet, deficiency lip closure, convex facial profile and a visible bone loss was observed. The treatment plan was established fabrication of temporary removable partial denture installed immediately after completion of intraseptal Alveoloplasty. The result was satisfactory, allowing a facial aesthetic harmony and lip seal before nonexistent, which increased the self-esteem of the patient, allowing the definitive rehabilitative treatment can be carried out more smoothly.

Oxidative stress in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether oxidative stress occurs in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii, and its possible effect on disease pathogenesis. Thirty rats were divided into two groups: the group A (uninfected, n = 18) and the group B (infected by S. schenckii, n=21). Blood samples were collected on days 15, 30 and 40 post-infection (PI). At each sampling time, six rats of the group A, and seven of the group B were bled. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) levels in serum samples were measured to evaluate lipid peroxidation. In addition, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, known as biomarkers of antioxidants levels, were verified in whole blood. Seric pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6), which showed that these inflammatory mediators were at higher levels in the infected rats (P < 0.001). In comparison to uninfected animals, rats with sporotrichosis showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of TBARS on day 40 PI; CAT activity was significantly increased (p < 0.01) on days 30 and 40 PI; and SOD activity was increased (p < 0.01) on day 40 PI. Infected rats showed larger testicles and granulomas in the testicular capsule, as well as hepatic granulomas and splenic follicular hyperplasia. All tissues (testicle, spleen, and liver) showed inflammation associated with numerous fungal structures. These results demonstrated that the intense inflammatory response (seric and tissue) in sporotrichosis is a likely mechanism for redox imbalance, and consequently cause the oxidative stress in experimentally infected rats.

Cholinergic enzymes and inflammatory markers in rats infected by Sporothrix schenckii.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cholinesterase activity in serum, whole blood, and lymphocytes, as well as to verify its relation to immune response in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii. For this study, 63 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), male, adult were divided into three groups: the negative control group (GC: n = 21), the group infected subcutaneously (GSC: n = 21), and the group infected intraperitoneally (GIP: n = 21). The groups were divided into subgroups and the following variables were evaluated at 15, 30, and 40 days post-infection (PI): acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in lymphocytes and whole blood, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum, cytokines levels (IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, and INF-γ), immunoglobulins levels (IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE), and protein profile by electrophoresis. Both infected groups showed increased levels of inflammatory parameters (P < 0.05) in tissue and inflammatory infiltrates. The activities of AChE in lymphocytes and BChE in serum increased (P < 0.05) significantly in animals from the GSC group on day 40 PI compared to the GC group. Regarding the GIP, there was a marked increase in the AChE activity in lymphocytes on days 30 and 40 PI, and in whole blood on days 15, 30, and 40 PI compared to GC. Furthermore, IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was also present in high levels during chronic systemic S. schenckii infections in animals. Therefore, it is concluded that cholinesterase has an important modulatory role in the immune response during granulomatous infection by S. schenckii.

Síndrome da combinação: diagnóstico, prevenção e considerações sobre o tratamento / Combination Syndrome: diagnosis, prevention and treatment considerations

A síndrome da combinação, descrita por Kelly em 1972, apresenta-se a partir de um conjunto de características marcantes que ocorrem quando uma maxila desdentada se opõe a dentes anteriores inferiores naturais. Essa condição clínica é mais comumente encontrada em pacientes que fazem uso de prótese total superior que oclui com dentes naturais anteriores inferiores e prótese parcial removível bilateral inferior. Também conhecida por Síndrome de Kelly, é caracterizada pela perda óssea da região anterior do rebordo superior, extrusão dos dentes naturais anteriores, aumento das tuberosidades maxilares, perda óssea da região posterior do arco inferior sob a base da PPR e hiperplasia papilar da mucosa do palato duro. O correto diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome são imprescindíveis na obtenção de resultado que, no mínimo, impeça o avanço do quadro. O presente trabalho consiste no relato de caso clínico de uma paciente diagnosticada com Síndrome da Combinação, no qual, além de importantes considerações acerca do diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento reabilitador dos pacientes portadores dessa síndrome, chama-se atenção para os cuidados cirúrgicos e protéticos específicos que devem estar envolvidos na reabilitação dos pacientes portadores dessa condição.

The combination syndrome, as described by Kelly in 1972, is presented as a set of characteristics that occur when an toothless maxilla is opposed to natural mandibular anterior teeth. This clinical condition is more commonly found in patients who use dentures that occludes with natural lower anterior teeth and bilateral removable partial dentures. Also known as kelly syndrome is characterized by loss of bone anterior region of the upper lip, extrusion of lower natural teeth remaining, increased jaws tuberosities, bone loss of support from the base of removable partial dentures and papillary hyperplasia of the mucosa of the palate hard. Proper diagnosis and treatment of syndrome are essential in achieving a result which at least impedes the progress of the condition. This work is a case report of a patient diagnosed with the combination syndrome, in which, in addition to important considerations about the diagnosis, prevention and rehabilitation treatment of patients with this syndrome, called attention to the specific surgical and prosthetic care that should be involved in the rehabilitation of patients with this condition.

Reabilitação estética e funcional com facetas diretas após histórico de traumatismo dento-alveolar / Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation with direct veneers after dento-alveolar trauma

Introdução: Acidentes esportivos relacionados à traumatismo dento-alveolar possuem alta prevalência entre crianças e o tratamento depende da extensão da fratura, das condições periodontais e endodônticas, além da idade do paciente. Objetivo: detalhar as etapas clínicas de reabilitação estética e funcional com facetas diretas em resina composta em incisivos centrais com histórico de traumatismo dento-alveolar. Relato de Caso: Paciente do gênero feminino, 12 anos, recebeu atendimento de urgência onde foi constatado fratura de esmalte e extrusão do dente 12, fratura de esmalte e dentina e avulsão do dente 11, e fratura de esmalte e dentina e subluxação do dente 21. Foi executado reposicionamento dos dentes 12 e 21, reimplante e endodontia do elemento 11 e restaurações provisórias nos três elementos dentários traumatizados. Após a remoção da contenção semi-rígida e das restaurações provisórias, faceta direta em resina composta nano-híbrida foi confeccionada nos incisivos centrais superiores e classe IV no incisivo lateral direito. Matriz de silicone foi utilizada para auxiliar na reconstrução da face palatina. Para melhor biomimetismo ótico, optou por realizar a técnica estratificada, com resina de dentina opaca (OA2) e resina de esmalte (A2) na última camada. Resultado: recuperou- -se função e estética esperados tanto pelo paciente quanto pela equipe executora. Conclusão: a utilização de resina composta para restauração pós-traumatismo dento-alveolar permitem o sucesso estético e funcional do tratamento reabilitador.

Sports accidents related to dento-alveolar trauma are highly prevalent among children and its treatment depends on the fracture extension, periodontal and endodontic conditions, beyond the age of the patient. The purpose of this case report is to detail the clinical stages of aesthetic and functional rehabilitation with direct composite resin veneers in central incisors with a history of dento- -alveolar trauma. Female patient, 12 years old, received urgency assistance, when enamel fracture and extrusin was observed on tooth 12, enamel and dentin fracture and avulsion on tooth 11, and enamel and dentin fracture and subluxation on tooth 21. The repositioning of the teeth 12 and 21 was performed, and the reimplant and endodontics treatment on tooth 11; beyond provisional resotation. After removal of the semi-rigid containment and temporary restoration, direct veneers confecctioned with nano-hybrid composite resin was made in upper central incisors, and a class IV on the right lateral incisor. Silicone matrix was used to aid the reconstrutction of the palatal face. In order to best optical biomimicry, the stratification technique was performed, with opaque dentin resin (OA2) and enamel resin (A2) in the superficial layer. As a result, the function and aesthetic were recoverd as expected both by patient and dentists. It is concluded that the use of composite resin provides aesthetic and functional rehabilitation treatment succes associated with dento-alveolar trauma.

Adenosine levels in serum and adenosine deaminase activity in blood cells of dogs infected by Rangelia vitalii.

Ecto-adenosinedeaminase (E-ADA) plays an important role in the production and differentiation of blood cells as well as in the control of extracellular adenosine levels. Infectious diseases can influence the synthesis of new cells or cause cell destruction, as occurs in canine rangeliosis, which results in anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and/or leukopenia. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate E-ADA activity in sera, erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and adenosine levels in sera samples of dogs infected by Rangelia vitalii. Twelve animals were divided into 2 groups: noninfected (n = 5) and infected by R. vitalii (n = 7). Animals were infected with 2 ml of blood containing the parasite, and parasitemia was estimated daily for 20 days by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears. Blood collection was performed on days 0, 10, and 20 post-infection (PI) in order to evaluate the evolution of the disease. The blood collected was used to assess the activity of E-ADA. We observed an increase of E-ADA activity in sera (day 20 PI) and erythrocytes (days 10 and 20 PI) in the infected group (P < 0.05). E-ADA activity in lymphocytes was decreased on day 10, when the parasitemia was high, and increased after 20 days, when the number of circulating parasites was low. HPLC measured adenosine levels in the serum and found a reduction on days 10 and 20 PI. In conclusion, our results showed that E-ADA activity was altered in sera, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes of dogs experimentally infected by R. vitalii as well as the serum concentration of adenosine. These alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of anemia and immune response in infected dogs.

Increased cytokine and nitric oxide levels in serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

This study aimed to measure the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and nitrite/nitrate (NO x ) in serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii. Twelve female mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups; group A (uninfected controls) composed by healthy dogs (n=5) and group B consisting of dogs inoculated with R. vitalii (n=7). Animals were monitored by blood smear examinations, which showed intraerythrocytic forms of the parasite on day 5 post-infection (PI). Blood samples were collected through the jugular vein on days 0, 10, and 20 PI to determine the serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and NO x . Cytokines were assessed by ELISA quantitative sandwich technique, and NO x was measured by the modified Griess method. Cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6) were increased (P<0.01) in serum of infected animals. Serum levels of NO x were also increased on days 10 PI (P<0.01) and 20 PI (P<0.05) in infected animals. Therefore, the infection with R. vitalii causes an increase in proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide content. These alterations may be associated with host immune protection against the parasite.

Hematologic and bone marrow changes in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

BACKGROUND: Rangelia vitalii is a tick-transmitted piroplasm that causes both hemolytic and hemorrhagic disease in dogs in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of the bone marrow in dogs experimentally infected with R vitalii during the acute stage of the disease. METHODS: For this study, 2 groups of a total of 12 young dogs were used. Group A was composed of healthy dogs (n = 5), and group B consisted of animals infected with R vitalii (n = 7). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20, and 30 post-inoculation and stored in EDTA tubes for a full hematology profile, including a reticulocyte count. On days 10 and 20, bone marrow samples were collected, stained, and examined. RESULTS: In infected dogs anemia was identified on days 10 and 20 post-inoculation (P < .01), and on day 20 reticulocytosis was present. Infected dogs had leukopenia due to neutropenia and eosinopenia, along with lymphocytosis and monocytosis, when compared with control animals. In bone marrow, the myeloid:erythroid ratio was significantly decreased (P < .05) in infected dogs due to increased erythroid precursors. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs experimentally infected with R vitalii develop regenerative extravascular hemolytic anemia accompanied by erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow. During the acute phase of the disease, leukopenia due to neutropenia and eosinopenia suggests intense tissue recruitment of these cells in response to the endothelial damage caused by this parasite.

Serum proteinogram, acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

The present study aimed to evaluate the serum proteinogram, acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulins (Igs) of dogs experimentally infected by Rangelia vitalii in the acute phases of the disease. Banked serum samples collected on days 0, 10 and 20 during a previously reported R. vitalii experimental infection were used to analyze the serum proteinogram, APPs (C-reactive protein - CRP and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein - AGP) and Igs (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) in the current study. Total protein and albumin level were significantly (P<0.05) decreased at day 10 PI and 20 PI in infected sera compared to the control sera. Alpha-1 globulin (day 10 PI) and gamma globulin (day 20 PI) were increased (P<0.01) in infected sera. Alpha-2 globulin (days 10 and 20 PI) and beta-2 globulin (day 10 PI) were decreased (P<0.05) in infected sera compared to control sera. Beta-1 globulin fraction did not differ statistically between sera. Serum CRP and AGP concentrations were significantly increased (P<0.05) at days 10 and 20 PI in infected sera. IgG was increased at days 10 (P<0.05) and 20 PI (P<0.01) in infected sera. Furthermore, it was also observed an increase (P<0.01) in the levels of IgM, IgA, and IgE in infected sera than control sera. We conclude that R. vitalii infection causes alterations in the proteinogram, and increases in the levels of APPs and Igs. Further studies are essentials to define the causes of these pathological changes in this disease.

Cholinesterase as inflammatory markers in a experimental infection by Trypanosoma evansi in rabbits.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of cholinesterases as an inflammatory marker in acute and chronic infection by Trypanosoma evansi in rabbits experimentally infected. Twelve adult female New Zealand rabbits were used and divided into two groups with 6 animals each: control group (rabbits 1-6) and infected group (rabbits 7-12). Infected group received intraperitoneally 0.5 mL of blood from a rat containing 108 parasites per animal. Blood samples used for cholinesterases evaluation were collected on days 0, 2, 7, 12, 27, 42, 57, 87, 102 and 118 days post-inoculation (PI). Increased activity (P<0.05) of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were observed in the blood on days 7 and 27, respectively and no differences were observed in cholinesterase activity in other periods. No significant difference in AChE activity (P>0.05) was observed in the encephalic structures. The increased activities of AChE and BChE probably have a pro-inflammatory purpose, attempting to reduce the concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which has an anti-inflammatory property. Therefore, cholinesterase may be inflammatory markers in infection with T. evansi in rabbits.

Complete blood count and acetylcholinesterase activity of lymphocytes of demyelinated and ovariectomized rats treated with resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen that has many beneficial actions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the complete blood count (CBC) and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of lymphocytes of ovariectomized rats experimentally demyelinated by ethidium bromide (EB). Forty adult female Wistar rats (60 days, 200-220 g) were divided randomly into five groups (n = 4) to evaluate the demyelination phase and five groups (n = 4) to evaluate the remyelination phase. In each phase, the groups consisted of sham rats-G1; ovariectomized rats, not demyelinated, treated only with vehicle (ethanol 25%)-G2; demyelinated ovariectomized rats treated only with vehicle-G3; ovariectomized rats, not demyelinated, treated with resveratrol-G4; and demyelinated ovariectomized rats treated with resveratrol-G5. Only during the remyelination phase, CBC showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the number of monocytes between G2 and G5 groups. In the demyelination phase, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the AChE activity in the G4 group, while the G5 group was statistically similar to the G1, G2 and G4 groups. In the remyelination phase, there were no significant differences in the AChE activity among the groups. The treatment for 7 days with resveratrol with or without the experimental demyelization with EB appears to influence the AChE activity of lymphocytes, without changing the number of these cells in the circulation. However, in the remyelination phase, there seems to be stabilization in its effect on the lymphocyte AChE activity.

Activities of ectonucleotidases and adenosine deaminase in platelets of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

Rangeliosis is a disease which affects dogs in Brazil, caused by a piroplasm known as Rangelia vitalii. This disease causes a lot of clinico-pathological features, including the coagulation disorders associated with bleeding. The cause of these changes has not yet been determined. Considering the association of purinergic system and hemostasis this study aimed to evaluate the activity of enzymes that hydrolyze ATP, ADP and AMP; and deamination of adenosine in platelets from dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii. For this study, 12 healthy young dogs (females) were used, separated in two groups. Group A (n=5) were uninfected controls, and group B were experimentally infected with R. vitalii (n=7). After being inoculated with R. vitalii-infected blood, animals were monitored by blood smear examinations, which showed intra-erythrocytic forms of the parasite after five days post-inoculation (PI). Blood samples were collected to quantitate and separate platelets (Day 0, 12 and 21 PI) and to measure the enzymatic activities (Day 12 and 21 PI). The activity of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) was measured in platelets. A reduction (P<0.01) in the number of platelets was observed in R. vitalii-infected blood at Days 12 and 21 PI. At Day 12 PI, a reduction (P<0.01) in the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP, and deamination of adenosine was observed in dogs infected with R. vitalii. At Day 21 PI the ADA activity remained decreased, unlike the activity of NTPDase which increased (P<0.05). Based on these results we can conclude that ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis and adenosine deamination were altered in platelets of R. vitalii-infected dogs. Considering the importance of the purinergic system in hemostasis, it is believed that those changes contribute to the coagulation disorders and bleeding observed in R. vitalii-infected dogs and discussed in this manuscript.

Relationship between oxidative stress and clinical-pathological aspects in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and activity of enzymes that are indicators of oxidative stress in Rangelia vitalii infection in dogs. Animals were divided into two groups: negative control (n=5) and infected with R. vitalii (n=7). After inoculation, the parasitemia was estimated daily by microscopic examination of smears. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP); and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in blood were evaluated. The samples were collected at days 10 and 20 post-inoculation (PI). TBARS and AOPP levels were higher in the infected group in both analyzed periods (P<0.01). The δ-ALA-D activity was reduced in blood of dogs infected with R. vitalii on days 10 and 20 PI. SOD activity was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the blood of dogs infected with R. vitalii at days 10 and 20 PI, while CAT activity was significantly increased (P<0.01) only at day 20 PI when compared to non-infected animals. A positive correlation was observed between the degree of parasitemia and TBARS and AOPP levels and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The δ-ALA-D activity was negatively correlated with the degree of parasitemia. Based on the increased levels of TBARS, AOPP, SOD and CAT activities, and inhibition δ-ALA-D activity, we concluded that dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii develop a state of redox unbalance and that these changes might be involved in the pathophysiology of disease.

Influence of Rangelia vitalii (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmorida) on copper, iron, and zinc bloodstream levels in experimentally infected dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc in blood serum of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii (n  =  7) compared with uninfected controls (n  =  5). Serum metal levels were determined in blood samples collected at days 0, 10, 15, and 20 post-infection (PI). Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to measure the levels of copper, iron, and zinc. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among groups PI. Increased levels of copper and decreased levels of iron and zinc were observed in the infected animals. The infection by R. vitalii may, therefore, alter the serum metal levels, resulting in metabolic disorders in dogs. These metals are directly involved in many enzymatic systems; accordingly, alterations in their blood concentrations may also influence the pathogenesis of disease.

NTPDase activity in lymphocytes of rats infected by Trypanosoma evansi.

Trypanosoma evansi is the aetiological agent of trypanosomosis in domestic animals. In this pathology, an inflammatory response can be observed and, as a consequence, the increase of extracellular adenine nucleotides such as ATP. These nucleotide concentrations are regulated by ectoenzymes such as NTPDase (EC 3.6.1.5, CD39), which catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP into AMP. In this study, the activity of NTPDase in lymphocytes of rats experimentally infected with T. evansi was evaluated. The animals were inoculated with the parasite and monitored by blood smear on a daily basis. The animals were then were divided into 4 groups according to the degree of parasitaemia and period of infection. The blood collections for enzyme analysis and lymphocyte count were performed on the 3rd (beginning of infection), 5th (acute infection) and 15th (chronic infection) days post-infection (p.i.). The control group was composed of non-infected animals. In the infected group a decrease in ATP hydrolysis (36%) was observed on the 3rd day p.i. and a decrease in ADP hydrolysis (62%) was observed on the 5th day p.i. when compared to the control. On the 15th day p.i., an increase in ATP (94%) and ADP (50%) hydrolysis was observed in the infected group. Considering these data it is suggested that NTPDase activity is altered on the surface of lymphocytes of rats infected with T. evansi at different time-points of infection.

Adenosine deaminase activity in serum and lymphocytes of rats infected with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection of subcutaneous or chronic evolution, inflammatory lesions characterized by their pyogranulomatous aspect, caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a "key" enzyme in the purine metabolism, promoting the deamination of adenosine, an important anti-inflammatory molecule. The increase in ADA activity has been demonstrated in several inflammatory conditions; however, there are no data in the literature associated with this fungal infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of serum ADA (S-ADA) and lymphocytes (L-ADA) of rats infected with S. schenckii. We used seventy-eight rats divided into two groups. In the first experiment, rats were infected subcutaneously and in the second experiment, infected intraperitoneally. Blood samples for hematologic evaluation and activities of S-ADA and L-ADA were performed at days 15, 30, and 40 post-infection (PI) to assess disease progression. In the second experiment, it was observed an acute decrease in activity of S-ADA and L-ADA (P < 0.05), suggesting a compensatory mechanism in an attempt to protect the host from excessive tissue damage. With chronicity of disease the rats in the first and second experiment at 30 days PI showed an increased activity of L-ADA (P < 0.05), promoting an inflammatory response in an attempt to combat the spread of the agent. Thus, it is suggested that infection with S. schenckii alters the activities of S-ADA in experimentally infected rats, demonstrating the involvement of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis.

Thrombocytopenia and platelet activity in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the platelet count, coagulation time and platelet activity in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii during the acute phase of the disease. For this study, 12 young dogs (females) were used, separated in two groups. Group A (uninfected control) was composed by healthy dogs (n=5), and group B consisted of R. vitalii-infected animals (n=7). After being inoculated with R. vitalii-infected blood, animals were monitored by blood smear examinations, which showed intra-erythrocytic forms of the parasite five days post-inoculation (PI). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 PI. The material collected was placed in tubes containing EDTA for quantification of platelets, citrate anticoagulant platelet aggregation, and measuring the clotting time. Right after blood collection on days 10 and 20 PI, dogs were anesthetized for collecting bone marrow samples. A significant reduction (P<0.01) of the number of platelets was observed in R. vitalii-infected blood, when compared with uninfected dogs on days 10 and 20 PI. Additionally, macro-platelets were observed only in infected dogs. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time did not differ between infected and uninfected dogs. The megakaryocyte count increased (P<0.01) significantly in infected dogs when compared with uninfected ones on days 10 and 20 PI. Platelet aggregation decreased (P<0.01) significantly in infected dogs in comparison to the control on days 10 and 20 PI. Therefore, rangeliosis in dogs causes a severe thrombocytopenia during the acute phase of infection. This platelets reduction probably occurred due to splenic sequestration and/or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

Secnidazole for the treatment of giardiasis in naturally infected cats.

Giardia duodenalis causes enteric infections in humans and animals worldwide. Inefficiency of metronidazole is commonly reported in the veterinary clinic routine in the treatment of giardiasis in dogs and cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of secnidazole in the control of infection caused by G. duodenalis in naturally infected cats. For this purpose two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment seven cats were infected with G. duodenalis and treated orally with a single dose of secnidazole (30 mg kg(-1)). In the second experiment a total of 16 cats were used, 11 naturally infected with G. duodenalis and five negative for the parasite. Animals were divided into three groups: group A (n=5) was composed by non-infected animals (negative control), group B (n=5) consisted of infected but untreated animals and group C (n=6) was composed by cats treated orally with a single dose of secnidazole (30 mg kg(-1)). Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. The first experiment reached 100% of efficacy because no cysts were found in the feces after treatment. However, doubts about intoxication and interference with hematological and biochemical parameters came to light. No side effects were observed, and the biochemical and hematological parameters of treated animals remained within physiological range, except for one feline which had elevation of liver enzymes. Based on these results, the utilization of secnidazole could be suggested for the treatment of giardiasis in cats. The main advantage of this treatment is that only a single dose is required, which is interesting in animals hard to handle like cats.

Trypanosoma evansi: concentration of 3-nitrotyrosine in the brain of infected rats.

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in many physiological processes, such as blood pressure control, neurotransmission, inhibition of platelet and neutrophil adherence, and the ability to kill tumor cells and parasites. The indirect determination of NO can be made by detection of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) residues. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of 3-NT in the brain of rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Twenty-four were inoculated intraperitoneally with cryopreserved blood containing 1×10(6) trypomastigotes per animal. Twenty-four animals were used as negative controls and received 0.2 mL of saline by the same route. The experimental groups (group C and T) were established according to the time after infection and the degree of parasitemia as follows: four control subgroups (C3, C5, C10 and C20) with six non-inoculated animals each and four test subgroups (T3, T5, T10 and T20) with six animals infected with T. evansi in each group. The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane and subsequently euthanized at the days 3 (C3, T3), 5 (C5, T5), 10 (C10, T10) and 20 (C20, T20) post-infection (PI). The brain was removed and dissected into cerebellum, cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Concentration of 3-NT in the brain was determined by Slot blot technique. At the day 3 PI no changes were observed in the concentration of 3-NT among the groups. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) of 3-NT concentration in the striatum and cerebellum at the days 5 and 10 PI, respectively. At the day 20 PI a significant increase (p<0.05) of 3-NT was observed in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus from the infected animals. Therefore, T. evansi infection caused changes in the concentrations of 3-NT in the central nervous system (CNS), which may be related to clinical signs and infection management.