Oxidative and osmotolerant effects in Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) red blood cells during hibernation

Abstract Hibernation is a natural condition of animals that lives in the temperate zone, although some tropical lizards also experience hibernation annually, such as the lizard native from South America, Salvator merianae, or tegu lizard. Even though physiological and metabolic characteristic associated with hibernation have been extensively studied, possible alterations in the red blood cells (RBC) integrity during this period remains unclear. Dehydration and fasting are natural consequences of hibernating for several months and it could be related to some cellular modifications. In this study, we investigated if the osmotic tolerance of RBCs of tegu lizard under hibernation is different from the cells obtained from animals while normal activity. Additionally, we indirectly investigated if the RBCs membrane of hibernating tegus could be associated with oxidation by quantifying oxidized biomolecules and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our findings suggest that RBCs are more fragile during the hibernation period, although we did not find evidence of an oxidative stress scenario associated with the accentuated fragility. Even though we did not exclude the possibility of oxidative damage during hibernation, we suggested that an increased RBCs volume as a consequence of hypoosmotic blood during hibernation could also affect RBCs integrity as noted.

Resumo A hibernação é uma condição natural dos animais que vivem na zona temperada, embora alguns lagartos tropicais também experenciem hibernação anualmente, como é o caso do lagarto nativo da América do Sul, Salvator merianae ou teiú. Embora as características fisiológicas e metabólicas associadas à hibernação tenham sido amplamente estudadas, possíveis alterações na integridade das hemácias durante esse período ainda permanecem obscuras. A desidratação e o jejum são consequências naturais da hibernação por vários meses e podem estar relacionadas a algumas modificações celulares. Neste estudo, investigamos se a tolerância osmótica de hemácias do lagarto teiú sob hibernação são diferentes das células obtidas de animais em atividade normal. Além disso, investigamos indiretamente por meio da quantificação de biomoléculas oxidadas e da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes se a membrana das hemácias dos teiús em hibernação poderia estar associada à oxidação. Nossos resultados sugerem que as hemácias possuem maior fragilidade durante o período de hibernação, embora não tenhamos encontrado evidências de um cenário de estresse oxidativo associado à essa fragilidade acentuada. Embora não tenhamos excluído a possibilidade de dano oxidativo durante a hibernação, sugerimos que um aumento no volume das hemácias como consequência de sangue hipoosmótico durante a hibernação também poderia afetar a integridade de hemácias, tal como foi observado.

Oxidative and osmotolerant effects in Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) red blood cells during hibernation / Efeitos de oxidação e osmotolerância dos eritrócitos de Salvator merianae (Squamata: Teiidae) durante a hibernação

Abstract Hibernation is a natural condition of animals that lives in the temperate zone, although some tropical lizards also experience hibernation annually, such as the lizard native from South America, Salvator merianae, or "tegu" lizard. Even though physiological and metabolic characteristic associated with hibernation have been extensively studied, possible alterations in the red blood cells (RBC) integrity during this period remains unclear. Dehydration and fasting are natural consequences of hibernating for several months and it could be related to some cellular modifications. In this study, we investigated if the osmotic tolerance of RBCs of tegu lizard under hibernation is different from the cells obtained from animals while normal activity. Additionally, we indirectly investigated if the RBCs membrane of hibernating tegus could be associated with oxidation by quantifying oxidized biomolecules and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our findings suggest that RBCs are more fragile during the hibernation period, although we did not find evidence of an oxidative stress scenario associated with the accentuated fragility. Even though we did not exclude the possibility of oxidative damage during hibernation, we suggested that an increased RBCs volume as a consequence of hypoosmotic blood during hibernation could also affect RBCs integrity as noted.

Resumo A hibernação é uma condição natural dos animais que vivem na zona temperada, embora alguns lagartos tropicais também experenciem hibernação anualmente, como é o caso do lagarto nativo da América do Sul, Salvator merianae ou "teiú". Embora as características fisiológicas e metabólicas associadas à hibernação tenham sido amplamente estudadas, possíveis alterações na integridade das hemácias durante esse período ainda permanecem obscuras. A desidratação e o jejum são consequências naturais da hibernação por vários meses e podem estar relacionadas a algumas modificações celulares. Neste estudo, investigamos se a tolerância osmótica de hemácias do lagarto teiú sob hibernação são diferentes das células obtidas de animais em atividade normal. Além disso, investigamos indiretamente por meio da quantificação de biomoléculas oxidadas e da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes se a membrana das hemácias dos teiús em hibernação poderia estar associada à oxidação. Nossos resultados sugerem que as hemácias possuem maior fragilidade durante o período de hibernação, embora não tenhamos encontrado evidências de um cenário de estresse oxidativo associado à essa fragilidade acentuada. Embora não tenhamos excluído a possibilidade de dano oxidativo durante a hibernação, sugerimos que um aumento no volume das hemácias como consequência de sangue hipoosmótico durante a hibernação também poderia afetar a integridade de hemácias, tal como foi observado.

Serum biochemical profile of neonatal buffalo calves / Perfil bioquímico sérico de bezerros bubalinos no período neonatal

Serum blood samples from 50 Murrah buffalo calves were examined in this study. The animals were allocated into three groups according to the number of parturitions of their mothers: G1 (n= 15) calves from primiparous buffaloes, G2 (n= 19) calves from buffaloes with two to four parturitions, and G3 (n= 16) calves from buffaloes with five or more parturitions. Blood samples were taken at birth, before colostrum ingestion, at 24h, 48h, and 72h after birth, and at 7, 14, 21, and 30 days after birth for determination of levels of gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase, total protein, albumin, globulins (including immunoglobulin G), iron, total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. The age of the calves was found to influence all of the biochemical parameters, with the exception of ionized calcium and potassium in the calves in groups G1 and G3. The calving order was found to influence AST, GGT, total protein, albumin, and globulins, including IgG. The high serum ALP activity in the first two days after birth indicates that measurement of the levels of this enzyme may be used as an indirect method of assessing passive immunity transfer.(AU)

Amostras de sangue de 50 bezerros de búfalo Murrah foram examinados nesse estudo. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de acordo com a paridade de suas genitoras: G1 (n=15) bezerros de búfalas primíparas, G2 (n=19) bezerros de búfalas com 2 a 4 gestações, e G3 (n=16) bezerros de búfalas com cinco ou mais gestações. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas ao nascimento, antes da ingestão de colostro e 24h, 48h, e 72h após o nascimento e 7, 14, 21 e 30 dias após nascimento para determinar níveis de gammaglutamil transferase (GGT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotrasferase (AST), creatina quinase, proteínas totais, albumina, globulina (inclusive imunoglobulina G), ferro, cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, sódio e potássio. A idade dos bezerros influenciou todos os parâmetros bioquímicos, exceto cálcio ionizado e potássio nos bezerros dos grupos G1 e G3. A ordem de nascimento influenciou AST, GGT, proteínas totais, albumina e globulinas, inclusive IgG. Intensa atividade ALP no soro nos primeiros dois dias após nascimento indica que medidas dos níveis dessa enzima podem ser utilizados como método indireto de avaliar transferência passiva de imunidade.(AU)

Local treatment with ascorbic acid accelerates recovery of post-sutured Achilles tendon in male Wistar rats

Tendon rupture is a very frequent accident involving average people and high-performance athletes. Clinical studies describe tendon recovery as a painful and slow process involving different biochemical and histological events. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent antioxidant as well as an important cofactor for collagen synthesis. In the current study, we evaluated if local treatment with AA is able to promote tendon repair in tenotomized rats. Animals were submitted to Achilles tendon rupture followed by surgical suture. Control and AA groups received in loco injection of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and 30 mM AA, respectively. Histological and functional recovery of Achilles tendon tissue was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. Hematoxylin/eosin staining and collagen fluorescence analysis showed intense disarrangement of tendon tissue in the saline group. Tenotomized animals also showed hypercellularity in tendon tissue compared with non-tenotomized animals. The Achilles functional index (AFI) showed a significant decrease of tendon functionality in tenotomized animals at 7, 14, and 21 days post-surgery. AA accelerated tissue organization and the recovery of function of the Achilles tendons. The beneficial effect of AA treatment was also observed in the organization of the collagen network. Data presented in the current work showed that in loco treatment with AA accelerated the recovery of injured Achilles tendon post-surgery.

Prevalence and identification of Salmonella spp. in water buffaloes from São Paulo State, Brazil / Prevalência e identificação de Salmonella spp. em búfalos do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de Salmonella spp. em amostras de fezes de búfalos do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e identificar os sorotipos isolados. Foram examinadas 116 amostras de suabes retais de búfalos das raças Jafarabadi e Murrah, coletadas em triplicata, em seis propriedades rurais localizadas nas regiões Central, Centro-Oeste e Nordeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para avaliar a presença de Salmonella spp., foram utilizados três diferentes caldos de enriquecimento (caldo selenito cistina, caldo tetrationado Muller-Kauffmann e caldo Rappaport-Vassiliadis) e dois diferentes meios de cultura (ágar verde brilhante modificado e ágar XLT4). Das 116 amostras de suabes retais examinadas, oito amostras (6,90%; 8/116) foram positivas para Salmonella spp., incluindo quatro sorotipos: S. Panama (50%; 4/8), S. Agona (25%; 2/8) , S. Newport (12,5%; 1/8) e S. Saintpaul (12,5%; 1/8), todos isolados de búfalos sem sinais clínicos de salmonelose, indicando a importância dos animais assintomáticos como fonte de infecção para outros animais e seres humanos. Das seis propriedades rurais avaliadas, apenas em duas fazendas (33,3%; 2/6) não foi detectada Salmonella spp. O uso de mais de um caldo de enriquecimento seletivo e de mais de um meio de cultura é indicado para o isolamento de Salmonella.(AU)

Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins of calves with rotavirus diarrhea / Concentração sérica de proteínas de fase aguda e imunoglobulinas em bezerros acometidos por diarreia por rotavírus

The aim of the present study was to characterize changes in acute phase protein levels according to the occurrence of rotavirus diarrhea in calves in the first month of life. Blood and fecal samples were taken before colostrum intake and at 1, 2, 7, 15, 21 and 30 days of age from 24 Holstein calves allotted in three experimental groups: calves that did not present diarrhea (group A), calves that presented diarrhea, but tested negative for rotavirus in feces (group B), and calves that presented diarrhea and tested positive for rotavirus in feces (group C) (experiment 1). When the animals presented episodes of diarrhea, blood and fecal samples were taken at 24-hour intervals until the end of clinical signs (experiment 2). Serum proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE technique and rotavirus in feces was detected by PAGE. Data of experiment 1 were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test, considered significant at P<0.05. Data of experiment 2 were subjected to the HSD test. Total protein, globulins, and IgG concentrations were lower in group C than in groups A and B. Ceruloplasmin and transferrin levels were higher in group C than in groups A and B. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein did not differ significantly between groups throughout the experimental period. Calves presented diarrhea between 10.4 and 14.6 days of age in group B, and between 10.3 and 14.6 days of age in group C. In the moments of diarrhea manifestation, least square means of IgA, haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations did not differ significantly between groups B and C, but ceruloplasmin and transferrin concentrations were higher in group C than in group B, as opposed to what occurred with IgG levels. These findings show that optimizing passive immunity transfer of immunoglobulins decrease the likelihood of calves developing diarrhea caused by rotavirus. In addition, ceruloplasmin presents characteristics of a biomarker of rotavirus infection in calves.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar alterações nos teores de proteínas de fase aguda de acordo com a ocorrência de diarreia por rotavírus em bezerros no decorrer do primeiro mês de vida. Amostras de sangue e fezes de 24 bezerros da raça Holandesa foram coletadas antes da ingestão de colostro e com um, dois, sete, quinze, vinte um e trinta dias de idade, sendo os bezerros alocados em três grupos: bezerros que não apresentaram diarreia (grupo A), bezerros que apresentaram diarreia, mas foram negativos para a detecção de rotavírus nas fezes (grupo B) e bezerros que apresentaram diarreia e foram positivos para detecção de rotavírus nas fezes (grupo C) (experimento 1). Sempre que os animais apresentavam episódio de diarreia, amostras de sangue e fezes eram coletadas em intervalos de 24 horas até o término dos sinais clínicos (experimento 2). As proteínas séricas foram separadas por meio da técnica de SDS-PAGE e a pesquisa de rotavírus nas fezes foi realizada por meio da técnica de PAGE. Os resultados do experimento 1 foram analisados por meio de ANOVA e do teste de Tukey, considerado significativo quando P<0,05. Os dados do experimento 2 foram submetidos ao teste HSD. Os teores de proteína total, globulinas e IgG foram menores no grupo C que nos grupos A e B, os teores de ceruloplasmina e transferrina foram maiores no grupo C que nos grupos A e B e as concentrações séricas de haptoglobina e α1-glicoproteína ácida não diferiram significativamente entre grupos. Os bezerros manifestaram diarreia, em média, com 10,4 a 14,6 dias de idade no grupo B e com 10,3 a 14,6 dias de idade no grupo C. Nos momentos de manifestação de diarreia, os teores de IgA, haptoglobina e α1-glicoproteína ácida não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos B e C, mas os teores de ceruloplasmina e transferrina foram maiores no grupo C que no grupo B, oposto ao verificado para o teor de IgG. Esses achados mostram que a otimização da transferência de imunidade passiva de imunoglobulinas reduz a probabilidade de os animais apresentarem diarreia por rotavírus. Adicionalmente, a ceruloplasmina apresenta características de um biomarcador da infecção por rotavírus em bezerros.(AU)

Prevalence and etiology of buffalo mastitis and milk somatic cell count in dry and rainy seasons in a buffalo herd from Analândia, São Paulo State, Brazil / Prevalência e etiologia da mastite bubalina e contagem de células somáticas no leite, nas estações seca e chuvosa, em um rebanho bubalino do município de Analândia, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this study was to evaluate somatic cell count (SCC), prevalence and etiology of mastitis in a dairy buffalo herd from Analândia, São Paulo State, Brazil, in the dry and rainy seasons. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility profile of microorganisms isolated from milk samples was also evaluated. 1,042 milk samples from female Murrah buffaloes in a dairy farm located in Analândia, São Paulo State, Brazil, collected between May 2011 and November 2012 were analyzed. After the mammary gland physical examination, strip cup test and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were performed. Afterwards, 50mL of milk samples from each mammary quarter were collected aseptically for SCC in automatic equipment and microbiological examination. The antimicrobial sensitivity profile to ampicillin, cefoperazone, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, oxacillin, penicillin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was evaluated by disk diffusion method. The monthly average temperature and pluviometric index were obtained from "Centro Integrado de Informações Agrometeorológicas" (CIIAGRO) of "Instituto Agronômico de Campinas" (IAC). Milk samples with positive results in the microbiological test showed average SCC of 137,720 cells/mL in the dry period and 190,309 cells/mL in the rainy period. Although a higher number of isolated microorganisms was observed in buffalo milk samples during the rainy period (69/600) compared to the dry period (50/442), the season had no significant effect on the frequency of isolation of microorganisms. The main genera of microorganisms isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (38.4%), Streptococcus agalactiae (28.8%), and Bacillus spp. (7.56%) during the dry season and Corynebacterium sp. (23.5%), Streptococcus spp. (32.3%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (9.24%) during the rainy period. Multidrug resistance was observed in 30.1% of the isolated microorganisms...

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a contagem de células somáticas, a prevalência e a etiologia da mastite bubalina nas estações seca e chuvosa em um rebanho de bubalinos do município de Analândia, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Adicionalmente, verificou-se o perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana dos micro-organismos isolados nas amostras de leite das búfalas. Foram avaliadas 1.042 amostras de leite de búfalas da raça Murrah pertencentes a uma propriedade rural localizada no município de Analândia-SP, obtidas no período de maio de 2011 e novembro de 2012. Após o exame físico da glândula mamária, foram realizados o teste da caneca de fundo escuro e o California Mastits Test (CMT); em seguida, foram colhidas, de forma asséptica, amostras de 50mL de leite de cada quarto mamário, para a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) em aparelho automático e exame microbiológico. Também, foi avaliado o perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana a ampicilina, cefoperazona, ceftiofur, enrofloxacina, gentamicina, neomicina, oxacilina, penicilina e sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim, pelo método de difusão em disco. A temperatura média e o índice pluviométrico mensais foram obtidos no Centro Integrado de Informações Agrometeorológicas (CIIAGRO) do Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC). Notou-se que as amostras de leite com resultado positivo no exame microbiológico apresentaram CCS média de 137.720 células/mL, no período seco, e 190.309 células/mL, no período chuvoso. Embora tenha se constatado maior índice de isolamentos de micro-organismos nas amostras de leite obtidas no período chuvoso (69/600) do que no período seco (50/442), a frequência de isolamentos não foi influenciada significativamente pela estação do ano...

Comparação dos caldos selenito cistina, tetrationato Muller-Kauffmann e Rappaport-Vassiliadis no isolamento de Salmonella Typhimurium / Comparison of selenite cystine, tetrathionate Muller-Kauffmann and Rappaport-Vassiliadis broths for Salmonella Typhimurium isolation

Three selective enrichment broths - selenite cystine (SC), Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (MKT) and Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) - were compared, for Salmonella Typhimurium isolation from rectal swabs of a calf experimentally infected. The bacteriological procedure involved pre-enrichment in Hajna-GN broth (only for the samples inoculated in RV broth), selective enrichment (SC, MKT and RV broths), culture in modified brilliant green agar (BGA), presumptive biochemistry tests (using triple-sugar-iron agar and lysine-agar) and slide agglutination test with poli-O and poli-H Salmonella antisera. SC and MKT broths were more efficient in the isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium (12 positive samples), whereas RV broth had a lower efficiency in the microbiological isolation (ten positive samples).

Avaliação clínica da infecção experimental de bezerros com Salmonella Typhimurium / Clinical evaluation of experimental Salmonella Typhimurium-infection in calves

The clinical conditions of healthy calves infected with 10(9) CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium were evaluated and the viability of the experimental model in disease induction was verified. Twelve male Holstein calves, 10 to 15-days old, were examined. They were allocated into two groups, control and experimentally infected. Animals were submitted to clinical examination after inoculation and at every 24 hours, during six days after infection. Samples of rectal swabs were collected for Salmonella Typhimurium isolation. Results showed that all animals had different degrees of diarrhea, with mucus and bleeding, 24 to 72 hours after experimental infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, accompanied by fever, but no signs of sepsis. The isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium from rectal swabs occurred 24 hours after the infection and there were no deaths during the experiment, which means that this sorovar has an epidemiological importance related to the intermitent or continuous elimination of the bacterium. Results also showed that the oral administration of 10(9) CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium induces clinical signs of salmonellosis in 10 to 15-day-old calves.

Comparação do isolamento microbiológico e da reação em cadeia da polimerase no diagnóstico de salmonelose em bezerros infectados experimentalmente com Salmonella Typhimurium / Comparison of microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of salmonellosis in Salmonella Typhimurium-infected calves

The efficiency of microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Salmonella Typhimurium is compared in fecal samples of Holstein calves experimentally infected with 10(9) CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium. Seventy-two fecal samples were analyzed by microbiological culture and PCR associated with selenite cystine (SC) and Muller-Kauffmann tethrationate (TMK) selective enrichment broths. Regardless of the selective enrichment broth, the microbiological culture was significantly better than PCR for detection of positive samples of Salmonella Typhimurium. The selective enrichment broths SC and TMK had no effect on the efficiency of the microbiological culture. The SC broth was the best option as selective enrichment associated to PCR.

Rotavírus bovino: fatores de risco, prevalência e caracterização antigênica de amostras em rebanhos leiteiros no estado de São Paulo / Rotavirus in cattle: risk factors, prevalence and antigenic characterization from dairy calves' samples in São Paulo State, Brazil

O estudo de prevalência da infecção por rotavírus em bezerros abrangeu 51 rebanhos leiteiros, escolhidos ao acaso, localizados em uma região produtora de leite do estado de São Paulo. Entre 31 de maio e 20 de outubro de 2003, foram colhidas 103 amostras de fezes de bezerros com diarreia e 308 amostras de animais sem diarreia, com idade entre um e 45 dias. As amostras foram analisadas pelas técnicas de ensaio imunoenzimático (EIE) e eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (PAGE). Pelo EIE foi observada prevalência de rotavírus de 21,6 por cento (11/51) nos rebanhos e 6,7 por cento (27/404) nos bezerros. Foram diagnosticados animais infectados por rotavírus tanto em bezerros diarreicos (18,4 por cento; 19/103) quanto em bezerros assintomáticos (2,7 por cento; 8/301). A maior frequência de infecção foi determinada em bezerros com idade entre um e 15 dias, sendo estabelecida uma relação inversa entre a frequência de positividade e a idade dos animais (P<0,05). Além da idade, o sistema de alimentação - fornecimento manual do leite ou bezerro com a mãe, o tipo de instalação - baias individuais ou baias coletivas - e o tamanho do rebanho -, número de matrizes foram fatores que influenciaram significativamente a frequência da infecção (P<0,05). O RNA extraído de 27 amostras pelo PAGE foi classificado em sete eletroferótipos, indicando grande diversidade genômica de rotavírus. A genotipagem das amostras positivas para rotavírus foi realizada pelo método de transcrição reversa-reação da polimerase em cadeia, destacando a presença de infecções pelos genótipos G6P[5] e G10P[11].

The study on rotavirus infection prevalence in calves was undertaken in 51 dairy cattle herds, randomly selected, in a dairy area in the state of São Paulo. One hundred and three samples of feces from calves with diarrhea and 308 samples of feces from calves free from the disease, age ranging from 1 to 45 days, were collected from May 31st to October 20th 2003. Stool samples were analyzed through immunoenzymatic assay techniques (IEA) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Rotavirus prevalence rate of 21.6 percent (11/51) was detected by IEA in cattle herds and 6.7 percent (27/404) in calf population. Rotavirus infection was diagnosed in calves with diarrhea (18.4 percent; 19/103) and in clinically healthy calves (2.7 percent; 8/301). The highest infection frequency was found in calves aged 1 to 15 days. There is an inverse relationship between positive frequency and age of animals (P<0.05). Factors which may affect rotavirus prevalence in herds, such as type of meals (manual milk supply or calf with dame), enclosure (individual or collective pens), herd size (number of matrixes) and age have been analyzed by the chi-square test, and significantly affected infection frequency (p<0.05). RNA from 27 positive samples by PAGE were classified in seven electrophorotypes and showed the rotavirus' extensive genomic diversity. Rotavirus positive samples genotyping was undertaken through the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), underpinning infections by special genotypes G6P[5] and G10P[11].

Aspectos clínicos e radiográficos de caprino com megaesôfago / Clinical and radiographic analyses of a goat with megaesophagus

A seven month old female goat showed neck swelling, apathy, appetite and weight loss, restlessness, increased salivation, cough, and regurgitation episodes which occurred post feeding. The animal was evaluated through both clinical and radiographic examinations. Plain radiography was performed and contrasted X-ray was done using barium sulfate. For radiological examination, the lateral projection was used for analysis. The results showed a radiopaque content in the esophageal lumen dorsally positioned to heart with density and appearance similar to the rumen. A dilation of the esophagus was reported and a diagnosis of megaesophagus was made. In conclusion, contrast esophagography must be included in the diagnosis of megaesophagus in goats.

Efficacy of florfenicol and intravenous fluid therapy for treatment of experimental salmonellosis in newborn calves / Eficácia do florfenicol e da fluidoterapia parenteral no tratamento da salmonelose experimental em bezerros neonatos

The efficacy of florfenicol associated or not to intravenous fluid therapy for treatment of Salmonella Dublin-infected calves was determined. Twenty-four healthy 10 to 15-day-old Holstein calves were randomly allotted into four groups, with six animals each: control (group 1); infected with 10(8)CFU Salmonella Dublin and not treated (group 2); infected with 10(8)CFU Salmonella Dublin and treated with florfenicol (group 3); and infected with 10(8)CFU Salmonella Dublin and treated with florfenicol associated to fluid therapy (group 4). All animals were submitted to physical examination just before inoculation and every 24 hours, during seven days after experimental infection. Rectal swabs and blood samples were collected for Salmonella Dublin isolation and pH and blood electrolytes determination. The experimental infection with Salmonella Dublin induced clinical signs of salmonellosis, such as diarrhea and fever, and caused reduction in blood concentrations of pH, sodium, potassium and chlorides. The treated calves showed good clinical recovery, and the group treated with antibiotic in combination to fluid therapy presented a faster and more efficient correction of the hydro-electrolyte balance.

Avaliou-se a eficácia terapêutica do florfenicol associado ou não à fluidoterapia intravenosa no tratamento de bezerros infectados experimentalmente com Salmonella Dublin. Foram utilizados 24 bezerros sadios da raça Holandesa com 10 a 15 dias de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais, constituídos por seis animais cada: controle (grupo 1); infectado com 10(8)UFC de Salmonella Dublin e não tratado (grupo 2); infectado com 10(8)UFC de Salmonella Dublin e tratado com florfenicol (grupo 3); e infectado com 10(8)UFC de Salmonella Dublin (grupo 4) e tratado com florfenicol associado à fluidoterapia. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao exame físico logo antes da inoculação e a cada 24 horas, durante sete dias após a infecção experimental. Foram colhidas amostras de suabes retais para o isolamento de Salmonella Dublin e amostras de sangue para determinação dos valores de pH e dosagem de eletrólitos sanguíneos. A infecção experimental com Salmonella Dublin induziu sinais clínicos de salmonelose, como diarreia e febre, e provocou redução do valor do pH e das concentrações sanguíneas de sódio, potássio e cloreto. Os bezerros submetidos aos tratamentos mostraram boa recuperação clínica, sendo que o grupo tratado com antibiótico combinado à fluidoterapia apresentou correção mais rápida e eficiente do equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico.

Avaliação da reação em cadeia da polimerase e do isolamento bacteriológico convencional na detecção de Salmonella Dublin em amostras de fezes de bezerros infectados experimentalmente / Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction and standard microbiological techniques for detection of Salmonella Dublin in fecal samples of infected calves

The efficiency of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) combined with selective enrichment broth was compared with the standard microbiological techniques for detection of Salmonella Dublin in fecal samples of 10 to 15-days-old Holstein calves, experimentally infected with 10(8) CFU of Salmonella Dublin. Seventy-six fecal samples were analyzed using PCR associated with selenite cystine (SC) and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (TMK) broths and standard microbiological techniques. Regardless of the selective enrichment broth used, the standard microbiological techniques were significantly better than PCR in detection of positive samples of Salmonella Dublin. However, the simultaneous use of both techniques provided detection of a larger number of positive samples. The SC broth was the best option as selective enrichment in both techniques.

Hemograma e perfil bioquímico sérico, inclusive hemogasométrico, de bezerros infectados experimentalmente com Salmonella Dublin / Blood cell counts and serum biochemical profile, including blood gas levels, in Salmonella Dublin-infected calves

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o hemograma e o perfil bioquímico sérico, inclusive hemogasométrico, de bezerros infectados experimentalmente com Salmonella Dublin. Foram utilizados 12 bezerros sadios da raça Holandesa com 10 a 15 dias de idade, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais: grupo-controle (n= 6) e grupo infectado com 10(8)UFC de Salmonella Dublin (n=6). Os bezerros foram submetidos ao exame físico diário, e as amostras de sangue foram coletadas minutos antes da inoculação (0h) e 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 e 168h após a inoculação. Além do hemograma e das análises hemogasométricas, foram mensuradas as atividades séricas das enzimas aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), creatina cinase (CK), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH), e os teores de albumina, bilirrubinas, cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, sódio, potássio, cloretos, creatinina, ferro, fibrinogênio, fósforo, glicose, magnésio, proteína totais e ureia. As principais alterações foram: redução das concentrações de albumina, ferro, glicose, magnésio e proteína total, aumento do teor de fibrinogênio, leucocitose e acidose metabólica e hiponatremia.

The blood cell counts and biochemical profile, including blood gas levels, were evaluated, in Salmonella Dublin-infected calves. Twelve healthy 10 to 15-day old Holstein calves were randomly allotted into two groups: control (n=6) and group orally infected with 10(8) CFU Salmonella Dublin (n=6). The calves were submitted to physical examination and the blood samples were taken just before the inoculation (0h) and at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168h later. Besides, blood cell counts, blood gas levels, and the serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate desidrogenase (LDH), albumin, bilirubin, total calcium, ionic calcium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, creatinine, iron, fibrinogen, phosphorus, glucose, magnesium, total protein, and urea were measured. The main findings included decrease in albumin, iron, glucose, magnesium, and total protein concentrations, and increase in fibrinogen level, leukocytosis, metabolic acidosis, and hyponatremia.

Avaliação da imunidade passiva em bezerros nascidos de vacas imunizadas com vacina contra rotavírus / Evaluation of passive immunity in calves born from cows immunized with anti-rotavirus vaccine

Com o objetivo de monitorar a imunidade passiva em bezerros alimentados com colostro de vacas imunizadas e não imunizadas com vacina contra rotavírus, foram determinados títulos de anticorpos em amostras de sangue e colostro de 26 vacas da raça Holandesa no dia do parto e de seus bezerros, à zero, às 24, 48 horas e aos sete, 14, 21, 28 dias de idade, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático. Tanto no soro sangüíneo como no colostro, os títulos dos isótipos IgG, IgG1 e IgG2 foram mais elevados no grupo dos animais vacinados, porém somente no colostro o aumento foi significativo. Os bezerros alimentados com o colostro das vacas vacinadas apresentaram títulos mais altos dos isótipos IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA e IgM, após a ingestão do colostro, sendo constatado aumento significativo apenas para os títulos do isótipo IgG2. Amostras positivas para rotavírus foram detectadas nos dois grupos experimentais a partir dos sete dias de idade. A vacinação materna não protegeu efetivamente os bezerros das infecções naturais por rotavírus, pois, apesar de aumentar os títulos séricos de anticorpos anti-rotavírus nos animais vacinados, não foi capaz de impedir a ocorrência da rotavirose nos bezerros alimentados com o colostro das vacas imunizadas.

Passive immune response in calves fed colostrum from immunized and nonimmunized cows by anti-rotavirus vaccine was monitored. Titers of antibodies were determined by immunoenzymatic assay in blood and colostrum sampled at parturition day from 26 Holstein cows as well as in blood from their calves collected at 0, 24, and 48 hours and seven, 14, 21, and 28 days after birth. In serum and colostrum, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 antibody titers were higher in vaccinated animals; however, this increase was only significant in colostrum. The calves fed colostrum from vaccinated cows showed higher IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA, and IgM isotypes titers after the ingestion of colostrum, being evidenced significant increase only for IgG2 titers. Positive samples for rotavirus were detected in both experimental groups since seven days after birth. Results showed that maternal vaccine failed to protect effectively the calves from natural infections by rotavirus, though it increased the anti-rotavirus antibody titers in vaccinated animals, but was not capable to impair the occurrence of rotaviruses in the calves fed colostrum from immunized cows.

Comparação da eficiência dos caldos de enriquecimento seletivo no isolamento de Salmonella Dublin / Comparison of the efficiency of selective enrichment broths for Salmonella Dublin isolation

The aim of this study was to compare three different selective enrichment broths: Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV), selenite cystine (SC) and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (MKT) for Salmonella Dublin isolation from faecal samples of calf experimentally infected. The bacteriological procedure involved pre-enrichment stages in Hajna-GN broth (only for the samples inoculated in RV broth), selective enrichment, culture in modified brilliant green agar (BGA), presumptive biochemistry tests (using triple-sugar-iron agar and lysine-agar) and slide agglutination test with poli-O and poli-H Salmonella antiserum. The effects of enrichment temperatures using RV broth were also evaluated (37ºC and 42ºC). SC broth was significantly more efficient in the isolation of Salmonella Dublin (P<0,05), whereas RV broth incubated at 42ºC had a lower efficiency in the microbiological isolation.

Avaliação clínica da infecção experimental de bezerros com Salmonella Dublin / Clinical evaluation of experimental Salmonella Dublin infection in calves

The clinical conditions of healthy calves infected with experimental 10(8)CFU of Salmonella Dublin were evaluated and the viability of the experimental model in disease induction in calves was verified. Twelve 10 to 15-day-old male Holstein calves were examined. They were allocated into two groups, control and experimentally infected with 10(8)CFU of Salmonella Dublin. Animals were submitted to clinical examination after inoculation and at every 12 hours, during seven days after the experimental infection. Samples of rectal swabs were collected for Salmonella Dublin isolation. All animals had severe diarrhea, with mucus and bleeding, 12 to 84 hours after the experimental infection with Salmonella Dublin, accompanied by fever, dehydration and respiratory signs. The isolation of Salmonella Dublin from rectal swabs occurred 12 hours after the infection. Two out of the six animals inoculated with Salmonella Dublin died with symptoms of enteritis, fibrinous pneumonia, centrilobular hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte necrosis, spleen congestion, interstitial nephritis, and tubular degeneration. Thus, the oral administration of 10(8)CFU of Salmonella Dublin induced clinical signs of salmonellosis in 10 to 15-day-old calves.

An intervention study to monitor weight gain in infants using a home based complementary food recipe and a hand blender.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a home made energy dense weaning food, containing 110-130 kcal (26-30kJ) per 100 ml on prevention of growth faltering during infancy. METHODOLOGY: Infants attending four child health welfare clinics in the Medical Officer of Health (Ragama) area were recruited at the age of 4 months. The intervention group received a specially designed hand blender, recipe and advice to prepare a weaning food. The control group received weaning foods without any intervention. They were followed up monthly up to the age of 12 months. RESULTS: 152 infants completed the study (83 from intervention group). The infants in the intervention group gained significantly more weight than the control group (intervention group 2.43 +/- 0.72 kg, control group 2.02 +/-0.62 kg, p = 0.0002). Both groups showed a drop in the Z score for mean weight for age during the study period but this was less marked in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: A high energy density home made complementary food was effective in improving the weight gain of infants during the weaning period.

Proteinograma sérico de bezerros recém-nascidos da raça Holandesa obtido por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida / Serum protein concentration in newborn Holstein calves determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

The serum protein concentration of newborn Holstein calves determined by means of sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide (SDS-PAGE) was studied. Blood samples from 40 healthy newborn calves were obtained 48 hours after birth. Calves had been given 3 liters of colostrum within 2 hours after birth, following by dose corresponding by 15 percent of animal weight each 24 hours. The results showed three different proteinograms: 19 calves had 14 proteins with molecular weights (MW) ranging from 28,000 D to 170,000D (proteinogram 1); 11 calves had 14 proteins with MW ranging from 18,000 to 170,000 D (proteinogram 1); and 10 calves had 12 proteins with MW ranging from 28,000 D to 170,000 D (proteinogram 3). The three groups presented similar IgG levels. The highest serum concentration of ceruloplasmin were verified in proteinogram 3, which had the lowest serum level of protein with MW 58,000D. It was verified a1-antitrypsin only in proteinogram 2, which had no proteins with MW of 42,000 D and 37,000D. The highest serum concentrations of IgA and protein with MW 58,000 D, and the lowest serum levels of transferrin, haptoglobin, and acid glycoprotein were verified in proteinogram 3. Measurement of serum protein concentrations by SDS-PAGE may be useful in monitoring the occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia and the neonatal disease in calves.