Profile of endoparasites in dairy cattle in the microregion of São João del-Rei, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil / [Perfil de endoparasitas em bovinos leiteiros na microrregião de São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brasil]

The present study provides the first evaluation of the endoparasite profile in dairy cattle from the microregion of São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil, including seasonal variations in parasitic infections. Fecal samples were collected directly from rectum of 123 dairy cows and 160 calves on 15 farms. These were kept in insulated boxes and sent for immediate analysis. Using eggs per gram of feces (EPG) we found the following prevalences: Strongyloidea 43.5%, Moniezia sp. 7.6% and both Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris spp. 2.2%, in dairy cows. In calves, the prevalence was Strongyloidea 50.9%, Moniezia sp. 5.6% and Strongyloides sp. 1.9%. The third-stage larvae recovered from coprocultures from cows and calves consisted mainly of Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp. and Ostertagia spp. EPG counts were significantly higher in calves. Regarding seasonality, the EPG counts and prevalence of Moniezia sp. tended to be higher in the dry period, whereas those of Strongyloidea were higher in the rainy season. Evidence suggests that parasite control and prophylaxis were inadequately managed on the farms studied here. The present parasitological profile correlates with those found by other similar studies, indicating that the main problem is still the inadequate management of parasite control and prophylaxis by farmers.(AU)

O presente estudo representa a primeira avaliação do perfil de endoparasitos em bovinos leiteiros da microrregião de São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brasil, e das variações sazonais das infecções parasitárias. Foram avaliadas amostras fecais de 123 vacas e 160 bezerros de 15 propriedades rurais, coletadas diretamente do reto, mantidas em caixas térmicas isoladas e analisadas imediatamente. A contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) revelou prevalências de 43,5% de Strongyloidea, 7,6% de Moniezia sp. e 2,2% de Strongyloides sp. e Trichuris spp. em vacas leiteiras. As prevalências de OPG em bezerros foram 50,9% de Strongyloidea, 5,6% de Moniezia sp. e 1,9% de Strongyloides sp. As larvas do terceiro estádio recuperadas de coproculturas de vacas e bezerros foram principalmente de Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp. e Ostertagia spp. OPG dos parasitos foram significativamente maiores em bezerros. Em relação à sazonalidade, OPG e a prevalência de Moniezia sp. tenderam a ser maiores durante a estação seca, enquanto OPG de Strongyloidea foram maiores na estação chuvosa. Com base nos resultados, é possível concluir que o manejo antiparasitário nas propriedades estudadas não é realizado de maneira plenamente satisfatória. O presente perfil parasitológico se assemelha a outros encontrados em estudos semelhantes, indicando que o maior problema ainda é o manejo antiparasitário inadequado realizado nas propriedades de bovinos leiteiros.(AU)

Evaluation of propanediol and cobalamin metabolism in the intestinal colonization and systemic invasion of Salmonella Enteritidis in laying hens / [Avaliação do metabolismo do propanodiol e da cobalamina na colonização intestinal e na infecção sistêmica de Salmonella Enteritidis em poedeiras]

Embora Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) seja capaz de metabolizar 1,2-propanodiol (1,2-Pd), utilizado como fonte de carbono e de energia ao longo de uma rota dependente de vitamina B12, a importância deste composto na infeção de Gallus gallus domesticus por SE permanece desconhecida. No presente estudo, foram construídos um mutante de SE sem os genes pduCDE, que codifica a propanodiol desidratase (Pdu), e outro contendo as deleções no pduCDE e também nos genes cobS e cbiA, responsáveis pela síntese de vitamina B12. Em seguida, avaliou-se a importância do metabolismo do 1,2-Pd em SE para colonização intestinal de infecção sistêmica de poedeiras comerciais. As estirpes mutantes de SE foram capazes de colonizar o intestino, de serem excretadas nas fezes e de invadir o baço e o fígado na mesma intensidade que a estirpe selvagem, o que sugere que os produtos dos genes pduC, pduD, pduE, cobS e cbiA não são essenciais durante infecção por Salmonella Enteritidis nessa espécie.(AU)

Genetic parameter and genetic trend estimates for reproductive traits in Wistar rats / [Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e tendências genéticas de características reprodutivas em ratos Wistar]

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits in Wistar rats. A total of 1,167 data records from 283 females over six generations of monogamous mating pairs was used. Heritability and genetic correlation were estimated through Bayesian inference and genetic trends were calculated by linear regression of breeding values over generations. Heritability estimates for litter size at birth (LS), calving interval (CI), pup mortality (PM) and maternal cannibalism (CAN) presented low magnitude, ranging from 0.01 to 0.13. CAN presented high and positive genetic correlation with LS and PM (0.77 and 0.78, respectively). On the other hand, all the other estimated genetic correlations were not significant. Genetic trend was positive for LS (+0.0900 pups per generation), and negative for PM and CAN (-1.0085 and -0.5217 pups per generation, respectively). For CI the genetic trend was not significant. It is recommended to increase selection intensity on dams in this Wistar rat population in order to accelerate the genetic progress.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e as tendências genéticas de características reprodutivas em ratos Wistar. Foram analisados 1.167 registros coletados em 283 fêmeas ao longo de seis gerações de pares de acasalamentos monogâmicos. Herdabilidade e correlação genética foram estimadas por meio de inferência bayesiana, e as tendências genéticas foram calculadas pela regressão linear dos valores genéticos em função das gerações. As estimativas de herdabilidades para as características número de filhotes nascidos (LS), intervalo de parto (CI), mortalidade de filhotes (PM) e canibalismo materno (CAN) foram de baixa magnitude (0,01 a 0,13). CAN apresentou correlação genética alta e positiva com LS e PM, 0,77 e 0,78, respectivamente. As demais correlações genéticas estimadas foram não significativas. A tendência genética foi positiva para LS (+0,0900 filhote por geração) e negativa para PM e CAN (-1,0085 e -0,5217 filhote por geração, respectivamente). A tendência genética não foi significativa para CI. Recomenda-se aumentar a intensidade de seleção nas fêmeas nessa população de ratos Wistar, a,fim de acelerar o progresso genético.(AU)

Avaliação da imobilidade tônica em codornas de corte via análise de sobrevivência' / Tonic immobility evaluation in meat quail via survival analysis

Tonic immobility (TI) is a way to measure fear, as characterized by the reduced capacity to respond to external stimuli. The time spent in TI indicates the level of fear. Since TI is measured as the time until event occurrence, survival analysis stands out as a suitable statistical method to treat these data. We aimed to investigate the influence of possible factors (lines, sex and age) on fear behavior in meat quail (Coturnix coturnix) measured through TI by using survival analysis (non parametric Kaplan-Meyer method via logrank test). The dataset was composed by TI information provided by 50 animals from each line (UFV1 and UFV2) in each age (14 and 28 days of age), totalizing 200 records. Despite the slight difference between the two evaluated ages, there was no significance for this factor between each studied line, UFV1 (P= 0.1493) and UFV2 (P= 0.2583). The logrank test indicated significant difference (P= 0.0407) between levels of line/sex groups at 14 days of age. We noted that males from UFV2 line presented higher fear behavior in relation to males from UFV1 line. No significant differences were observed for this factor when considering 28 days of age.(AU)

Avaliação dos níveis plasmáticos do peptídeo natriurético NT-proBNP em cães da raça Poodle em diferentes estágios da doença valvar crônica mitral / Evaluation of plasma levels of NT-proBNP natriuretic peptide in Poodle dogs at different stages of chronic mitral valve disease

A doença valvar crônica mitral (DVCM) é comum em cães e pode não causar sintomas clínicos da insuficiência cardíaca (IC) durante anos. O peptídeo natriurético tipo B (BNP) é armazenado nos miócitos ventriculares e secretado para circulação com seu fragmento NT-proBNP, quando ocorre aumento. Este estudo avaliou os níveis plasmáticos do peptídeo natriurético NT-proBNP em cães da raça Poodle em diferentes estágios da DVCM, seguindo as diretrizes do American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM, 2009). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para determinação do biomarcador NT-proBNP para comparação entre grupos. As medianas do NT-proBNP nos grupos estudados foram: 551pmol/L (controle), 302pmol/L (grupo B1), 1.033pmol/L (grupo B2), 954pmol/L (grupo C) e 5.541pmol/L (grupo D). Mediante o uso de um ponto de corte ideal de >709pmol/L, foi possível identificar os cães com aumento cardíaco verdadeiro daqueles sem aumento cardíaco, com sensibilidade de 75% e especificidade de 100%. O NT-proBNP aumentou de acordo com o avanço dos estágios da DVCM, sendo os estágios B2, C e D aqueles com valores mais elevados desse biomarcador. Para o estágio B2, a mensuração do NT-proBNP mostrou ser uma excelente ferramenta para diagnosticar precocemente o aumento cardíaco em cães da raça Poodle.(AU)

Chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD) is common in dogs, it may not cause clinical symptoms of heart failure (HF) for years. The type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) is stored in the ventricular myocytes and secreted for circulation with its NT-proBNP fragment, when an increase occurs. This study evaluated the plasma levels of the NT-proBNP natriuretic peptide in Poodles at different stages of CMVD, following the guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM, 2009). Blood samples were collected for determination of NT-proBNP biomarker for comparison between groups. This median NT-proBNP in the studied groups were: 551pmol/L (Control), 302pmol/L (Group B1), 1,033pmol/L (Group B2), 954pmol/L (Group C) and 5,541pmol/L (Group D). Using an ideal cutoff of > 709pmol/L it was possible to identify dogs with true heart enlargement of those without a cardiac increase with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100%. NT-proBNP increased according to the progress of the stages of CMVD, being that stages B2, C and D, with the highest values of the biomarker. To stage B2, the NT-proBNP measurement proved to be an excellent tool for early diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in Poodles.(AU)

Familial history of hypertension-induced impairment on heart rate variability was not observed in strength-trained subjects

Family history of hypertension is an important predictive factor for hypertension and is associated with hemodynamic and autonomic abnormalities. Previous studies reported that strength training might reduce arterial blood pressure (AP), as well as improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, the benefits of strength training in the offspring of hypertensive parents have not been fully evaluated. Here, we analyzed the impact of strength training on hemodynamics and autonomic parameters in offspring of hypertensive subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study with sedentary or physically active offspring of normotensives (S-ON and A-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH and A-OH). We recorded RR interval for analysis of HRV. AP was similar between groups. Sedentary offspring of hypertensives presented impairment of total variance of RR interval, as well as an increase in cardiac sympathovagal balance (S-OH: 4.2±0.7 vs S-ON: 2.8±0.4 and A-ON: 2.4±0.1). In contrast, the strength-trained group with a family history of hypertension did not show such dysfunctions. In conclusion, sedentary offspring of hypertensives, despite displaying no changes in AP, showed reduced HRV, reinforcing the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunctions have been associated with higher risk of hypertension onset. Our findings demonstrated that strength-trained offspring of hypertensives did not present impaired HRV, thus reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle in the prevention of early dysfunctions associated with the onset of hypertension in predisposed populations.

Evaluación del Perfil Micológico de la Yerba Mate durante el proceso productivo y producto final en establecimientos yerbateros. Paraguay 2012 / Mycological Profile Evaluation of Mate for the production process and final product establishments herbalists. Paraguay 2012

Introducción: La yerba mate se utiliza para la preparación de distintos tipos de bebidas de consumo masivo en el Paraguay, tales como el mate, tereré, cocido, etc. La presencia de agentes micóticos del género aflatoxigénico en la misma no siempre se relaciona con niveles dañinos de aflatoxinas, capaces de provocar hepatopatías pero sí implica un riesgo alimentario significativo al consumir los productos contaminados. Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil micológico de la yerba mate durante el proceso productivo y el producto final. Materiales y Métodos: Diseño observacional descriptivo de corte trasversal que incluyo 68 muestras recolectadas en diferentes etapas del proceso de producción de la yerba mate elaborada y compuesta con el agregado de hierbas medicinales: hojas in natura de yerba mate (n=7), yerba mate después de la molienda (n=22), yerba mate elaborada (n=22) y yerba mate compuesta (n=17); durante los meses de setiembre a diciembre del 2011 en 6 establecimientos yerbateros seleccionados dentro del territorio nacional. Se utilizaron los valores de referencia de las Normas Paraguayas NP 3500193 (1800 UFC/g) para yerba mate elaborada y NP 3500201 (5000 UFC/g) para yerba mate compuesta. Resultados: En la yerba mate elaborada, 10/22 de las muestras presentan valores superiores a los criterios establecidos en la Norma Paraguaya; 11/17 de las muestras de yerba mate compuesta no cumplen con los criterios establecidos en la Norma Paraguaya para yerba mate compuesta. Conclusión: En la yerba mate elaborada y en la compuesta se encontraron elevados niveles de recuento de mohos y levaduras. El consumo de yerba mate contaminada implica un riesgo alimentario convirtiéndose en un problema potencial de salud pública. Palabras claves: yerba mate, mohos, levaduras, recuento fúngico, salud pública.

Introduction: The Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) is used for the preparation of different kind beverages of high consumption in Paraguay such as mate, tereré, cocido, etc. (typical beverages of the country). The presence of fungal agents of aflatoxigenic gender in the beverage is not always related to harmful levels of aflatoxin, capable of causing liver diseases, but involves a significant food related risk through the consumption of contaminated products. Objective: To assess the mycological profile of the Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) during the production process and final product. Materials and Methods: observational crosssectional descriptive design that included 68 samples collected at different stages of the production process of Ilex paraguariensis ("yerba mate elaborada" and "yerba mate compuesta" with the addition of medicinal herbs) : leaves of yerba mate in nature (n = 7), yerba mate after grinding (n = 22), "yerba mate elaborada" (n =22) and "yerba mate compuesta" (n = 17); during the months of September to December of the year 2011 in 6 selected herbalist establishments within the national territory. Standard values of Paraguayan Normative NP 3500193 (1800 CFU / g) for "yerba mate elaborada" and NP 3,500,201 (5000 CFU / g) for "yerba mate compuesta" were used as reference. Results: In the "Yerba mate elaborada", 10 out of 22 samples show higher values than that of the Paraguayan Normative , 11 out of 17 of the "Yerba mate compuesta" samples do not meet the Paraguayan Normative criteria. Conclusion: In the "Yerba mate elaborada" and "Yerba mate compuesta" high levels of yeast and mold counts were found. The consumption of contaminated Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) implies a high food related risk, becoming a potential problem for human health. Keywords: yerba mate, molds, yeasts, fungal counts, health

Qualidade microbiológica do queijo de coalho comercializado no município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brasil / Microbiologic quality of curd cheese sold in the district of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, PE, Brazil

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do queijo de coalho comercializado no Município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, verificando e quantificando micro-organismos patogênicos e indicadores das condições higiênico-sanitárias desse alimento. Foram coletadas 42 (quarenta e duas) amostras de queijo de coalho em 39 (trinta e nove) pontos comerciais distintos, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2008. As amostras foram analisadas pelo Laboratório Central de Pernambuco para determinação do padrão microbiológico do produto, tendo como referência a Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) n° 12 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Detectaram-se em 95,24% (40/42) das amostras discordâncias com os padrões estabelecidos pela RDC 12. Com relação a contaminação por coliformes termotolerantes e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, 80,95% (34/42) e 76,19% (32/42), respectivamente, encontravam-se fora dos limites aceitáveis e 9,52% (4/42) foram positivas para Salmonella sp. Com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo conclui-se que o queijo de coalho comercializado no Município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brasil apresenta-se em desacordo com os padrões microbiológicos vigentes na legislação brasileira, sendo considerado impróprio para o consumo humano.

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiologic quality of curd cheese sold in the district of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (PE), Brazil, by verifying and quantifying pathogenic microorganisms in the product as well as indicators of its hygienic and sanitary conditions. Forty-two samples of cheese collected in 39 different commercial areas were analyzed. The samples were analyzed by the Central Laboratory of Pernambuco, following the procedures established by the Resolution of the Chartered Board of Directors RDC N. 12. It was found that 95.24% (40/42) of the samples of curd cheese presented characteristics that did not meet the standards of RDC 12. As for the contamination of the food by thermotolerant coliforms and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, 80.95% (34/42) and 76.19% (32/42), respectively, did not meet the acceptable standards and 9.52% (4/42) were positive for Salmonella sp. The results in this study suggest that the curd cheese sold in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil, does not comply with the current microbiologic standards prescribed by the Brazilian legislation, which makes it improper for human consumption.

The contribution of genes required for anaerobic respiration to the virulence of Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum for chickens

Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (SG) is an intracellular pathogen of chickens. To survive, to invade and to multiply in the intestinal tract and intracellularly it depends on its ability to produce energy in anaerobic conditions. The fumarate reductase (frdABCD), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) reductase (dmsABC), and nitrate reductase (narGHIJ) operons in Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) encode enzymes involved in anaerobic respiration to the electron acceptors fumarate, DMSO, TMAO, and nitrate, respectively. They are regulated in response to nitrate and oxygen availability and changes in cell growth rate. In this study mortality rates of chickens challenged with mutants of Salmonella Gallinarum, which were defective in utilising anaerobic electron acceptors, were assessed in comparison to group of bird challenged with wild strain. The greatest degree of attenuation was observed with mutations affecting nitrate reductase (napA, narG) with additional attenuations induced by a mutation affecting fumarate reductase (frdA) and a double mutant (dmsA torC) affecting DMSO and TMAO reductase.

Heparan sulfates and heparins: similar compounds performing the same functions in vertebrates and invertebrates?

The distribution and structure of heparan sulfate and heparin are briefly reviewed. Heparan sulfate is a ubiquitous compound of animal cells whose structure has been maintained throughout evolution, showing an enormous variability regarding the relative amounts of its disaccharide units. Heparin, on the other hand, is present only in a few tissues and species of the animal kingdom and in the form of granules inside organelles in the cytoplasm of special cells. Thus, the distribution as well as the main structural features of the molecule, including its main disaccharide unit, have been maintained through evolution. These and other studies led to the proposal that heparan sulfate may be involved in the cell-cell recognition phenomena and control of cell growth, whereas heparin may be involved in defense mechanisms against bacteria and other foreign materials. All indications obtained thus far suggest that these molecules perform the same functions in vertebrates and invertebrates

Biocompatibilidade do endogel / Biocompatibility of endogel

A biocompatibilidade do material Endogel foi avaliada usando-se os testes recomendados pela Federaçäo Dentária Internacional, nos níveis: primário - citotoxicidade in vitro, secundário - implante de tubos de Teflon em subcutâneo de cobaias, e teste de uso - capeamento pulpar em macacos, tendo-se o hidróxido de cálcio como elemento comparativo. Os resultados deixaram claro que ambos os materiais podem ser considerados tóxicos e que o Endogel näo preenche os requisitos preconizados por seus autores