Effects of bulk tank milk, waste milk, and pasteurized waste milk on the nutrient utilization, gastrointestinal tract development, and antimicrobial resistance to Escherichia coli in pre-weaned dairy calves.

This study aimed to assess the impact of bulk tank milk (BTM), waste milk (WM), and pasteurized waste milk (PWM) on nutrient digestibility, ruminal and cecal fermentation, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, and antimicrobial resistance of fecal Escherichia coli from dairy calves at 2 periods (30 and 60 d of age). Calves were grouped according to body weight, serum protein levels, and breed composition. Three treatments were included: BTM (n = 21), WM from cows under antibiotic treatment (n = 21), and PWM (waste milk submitted to high-temperature, short-time pasteurization; n = 21). A total of 63 calves were used, of which: 18 animals (n = 6 per treatment) evaluated in the period of 4 - 30 d and 45 (n = 15 per treatment) from 4 - 60 d. During the experimental period, a daily intake of 6 L of milk was divided into 2 equal meals, with ad libitum access to water and starter. Milk and feed intakes were recorded daily. Apparent total-tract digestibility and nitrogen balance were conducted from 25 to 29 d of age (n = 6) and from 53 to 57 d of age (n = 15). Animals were euthanized at 30 ± 1 and 60 ± 1 d of age for the assessment of ruminal and cecal fermentation and GIT development. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted at 1, 30, and 60 d of age (n = 15/treatment). Statistical analysis utilized a linear mixed-effects model for continuous outcomes and generalized linear models for single measurements (R software). Treatments WM and PWM had lower rumen pH, higher ruminal acetate concentration, larger reticulorumen and liver, and a higher prevalence of fecal-resistant E. coli compared with BTM at both 30 and 60 d. Up to 60 d, both BTM and WM treatments exhibited higher digestibility of ether extract and gross energy compared with the PWM, whereas WM and PWM treatments showed increased nitrogen intake and retention compared with the BTM. These findings suggest that pasteurization of waste milk negatively affects nutrient digestibility and calf performance, while also impacting rumen development. Additionally, the use of milk containing antibiotic residue leads to the selection of resistant E. coli in the GIT over time.

Comparison of antibody repertories against Staphylococcus aureus in healthy and infected dairy cows with a distinct mastitis history and vaccinated with a polyvalent mastitis vaccine.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the pathogens most frequently isolated from cases of mastitis worldwide. To decrease the effect of S. aureus mastitis in dairy farming, alternative strategies for controlling mastitis are needed that depend on a better knowledge of cow-to-cow variations in S. aureus antibody production. The present study sought to explore the diversity of S. aureus antibodies produced by dairy cows with a distinct mastitis history and vaccinated with a polyvalent mastitis vaccine. We obtained protein extracts from S. aureus isolates derived from persistent subclinical mastitis. Proteins were fractionated using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Then, Western blotting membranes were exposed to sera from 24 dairy cows that had been divided into the following groups: vaccinated dairy cows that were infected with S. aureus, further subdivided according to whether they (a) remained infected by S. aureus or (b) recovered from the intramammary infection; unvaccinated dairy cows infected with S. aureus; and vaccinated healthy dairy cows with no history of S. aureus mastitis. Proteins found to be reactive by Western blot were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-TOF). Our most important finding was that F0F1 ATP synthase subunit α, succinyl-diaminopimelate desuccinylase, and cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase were potential candidate proteins for the prevention of S. aureus mastitis. This study strengthens the notion that variations among animals should not be ignored and shows that the heterogeneity of antibody production against anti-staphylococcal antigens in animals may enable the identification of new immunotherapy targets.

SHORT-COMMUNICATION Evaluation of perfused bovine udder for gene expression studies in dairy cows.

Intramammary infections are one of the main causes of productivity loss in dairy cows. To better understand the immune system response and to avoid the use of live animals, we validated the use of isolated bovine udder as an ex situ model. Six mammary glands were collected from cows ready for culling. Three udders were perfused with Tyrode's solution and three were not-perfused. During six hours, we collected perfusate samples for biochemical analysis. We also collected alveolar and teat canal tissue to evaluate gene expression. The biochemical parameters indicated that the perfused udders remained viable for the entire period of the experiment. A real-time polymerase chain reaction showed an increase in 18S rRNA gene expression in the alveolar tissue at 3 and 4 h after perfusion. There was also an increase in the Ubiquitin gene in the teat canal from not-perfused udders at 1, 3, and 4 h after slaughter. In general, gene expression was stable during the experiment. Our results indicated that the isolated perfused bovine udder model is appropriate for genetic studies, opening a new perspective in animal experimentation methods.

Molecular characterization of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from goats using ERIC-PCR.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the infectious agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), is responsible for substantial economic losses in goat and sheep production. Molecular characterization of C. pseudotuberculosis isolates by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR has shown promising results in genotyping strains isolated from sheep with CLA. We evaluated the genetic diversity of C. pseudotuberculosis isolates collected from the Sertão region of the Pernambuco (PE) State, Brazil, and investigated the potential of ERIC-PCR as a tool for the molecular typing of strains of C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from goats. Thirty-two C. pseudotuberculosis strains isolated from goats in the municipalities of Floresta and Ibimirim, PE, C. pseudotuberculosis type strain ATCC 19410, the 1002 vaccine strain, and a field isolate of Rhodococcus equi were fingerprinted using the primers ERIC-1R and ERIC-2 and the primer pair ERIC- 1R+ERIC-2. Using 100% similarity as the cutoff, 8, 10, and 7 genotypes were obtained with ERIC-1-PCR, ERIC-2-PCR, and ERIC-1+2-PCR, respectively. The Hunter-Gaston discriminatory index calculated for the ERIC-1-PCR was 0.75. The index for the ERIC-2-PCR was 0.88, and the index for the ERIC-1+2-PCR was 0.79. Among goat isolates of C. pseudotuberculosis, three, two and four genotypes (found by ERIC-1-PCR, ERIC-2-PCR, and ERIC-1+2-PCR, respectively) had been previously described among sheep isolates from Minas Gerais State, Brazil. These results showed that ERIC-PCR has good discriminatory power and typeability, making it a useful tool for discrimination among C. pseudotuberculosis isolates from goats.

Cloxacillin nanostructured formulation for the treatment of bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is a widespread, contagious ocular disease that affects cattle, especially dairy breeds. The disease is caused by Gram-negative bacteria mainly Moraxella bovis, and its treatment consists of parenteral or topic antibiotic therapy. The topic treatment approach is used more commonly in lactating cows, to avoid milk disposal. However, treatment failures are common, because the antibiotic is removed during lacrimation. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of commercial cloxacillin and evaluate the efficacy of nanostructured cloxacillin in clinical cases of IBK by Moraxella. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nanoparticle cloxacillin nanocoated, the nanoparticle without the antibiotic and the commercial cloxacillin were determined in vitro with field samples of Moraxella ovis (5) and Moraxella bovis (5). The efficiency of nanoparticles was tested in three cows naturally infected that were treated with 1.0 mL (with 0.32 mg of nanostructured cloxacillin) for the ocular route. Moraxella bovis was isolated and identified by biochemical and molecular methods before the treatment. The animals were treated every 12 h for six days. The cure was considered by the absence of clinical symptoms and bacteria after treatment. The mucoadhesive nanoparticle-based formulation promoted clinical cure with a low number of doses of antibiotics, probably due to the maintenance of the MIC in the ocular mucosa for longer due to the mucoadhesive characteristics of the nanoparticle. The results indicate that the use of nanocoated cloxacillin is possible to control infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of caprine toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The objective of this work was to carry out a study on caprine toxoplasmosis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in goats in Minas Gerais, 767 sera from goats were tested by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and IFAT (indirect fluorescence antibody test). The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was 43.0% and 46.0% by ELISA and IFAT, respectively. It was observed that 26.8% of the goats show low-avidity IgG to T. gondii. These results suggest the presence of animals in recent phase of toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais. The risk factors for toxoplasmosis in goats were: age over 36 months (OR=1.21; IC 95% 1.02-1.44), use of pen (OR=1.83; IC 95%1.01-3.31) and pure breed animals (OR=2.49; IC 95% 1.11-5.59).

Frequency of temporomandibular disorder signs in individuals with cerebral palsy.

This study aimed to determine the frequency of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs in 68 individuals with cerebral palsy, aged between 3 and 23 years. TMD signs were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria to assess temporomandibular joint sounds, lateral jaw deviation during opening and closing movements and limitation of maximum mouth opening (>40 mm). The frequency of TMD signs observed in the cerebral palsy group (46/68-67.6%) was higher than in the control group (17/68-25%). The clinical scenario of CP seems to make these individuals more prone to the development of TMD signs.

Temporomandibular joint involvement in a patient with centronuclear myopathy.

We describe here the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle abnormalities disclosed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in a 25-year-old man with centronuclear myopathy (a congenital myopathy) who presented with marked limitation of jaw movements. We found an intense and general fatty replacement of the masticatory muscles, and magnetic resonance imaging signals indicated articular fibrosis. We conclude that in centronuclear myopathy, the presence of weakness and hypomotility of the masticatory muscles can induce chronic abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint.

Efeito do óleo essencial do Croton nepetifolius Baill na penetração cervical em ovelhas mestiças de Dorper e Santa Inês / Effect of the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill on cervical penetration in crossbred Dorper and Santa Inês ewes

A fim de se avaliar o uso do óleo essencial de Croton nepetifolius Baill (OECn) na penetrabilidade cervical em ovelhas mestiças, 40 ovelhas foram distribuídas ao acaso em quatro grupos (n=10): controle, misoprostol, OECn50 e OECn100 (50 e 100µg do OECn, respectivamente). Após a sincronização do estro, utilizando CIDR e eCG (200UI), a profundidade de penetração da cérvix foi mensurada utilizando-se uma pipeta de inseminação artificial de bovino graduada, no período de zero até 72h após a retirada do CIDR. Os resultados foram expressos em média ± erro-padrão, submetidos à ANOVA seguida do teste de Tukey, enquanto os dados, em porcentagem, foram submetidos aos testes de Fisher ouqui-quadrado. Nenhuma diferença significativa (P>0,05) foi encontrada quanto ao grau de penetrabilidade cervical. Quanto ao tempo de passagem, os grupos misoprostol e OECn100 apresentaram um menor tempo de penetrabilidade às 60h(1,7±0,6 e 1,5±0,6min, respectivamente), quando comparados ao grupo controle (4,1±0,6min), que não diferiu significativamente do grupo OECn50 (2,3±0,6min). Portanto, o óleo essencial de Croton nepetifolius Baill pode ser utilizado para encurtar o tempo de penetrabilidade cervical em ovelhas submetidas à sincronização estral.(AU)

In order to evaluate the use of the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill (EOCn) on cervical penetration in crossbred ewes, 40 ewes were randomly allocated into four groups (n= 10): CONTROL, MISOPROSTOL, EOCn50 and EOCn100 (50 e 100µg of the EOCn, respectively). After estrus synchronization, using CIDR and eCG (200IU), depth of cervical penetration was measured using artificial insemination gun for bovine species which was graduated and used from 0 to 72h after CIDR removal. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error mean, submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test while data in percentage were submitted to Fisher or Chi-Square test. No significant difference (P> 0.05) was observed at grade of cervical penetration. Concerning trespassing time, MISOPROTOL and EOCn100 groups presented a lower trespassing time at 60h (1.7±0.6 and 1.5±0.6min, respectively) than CONTROL group (4.1±0.6min), which did not differ significantly from EOCn50 (2.3±0.6min) group. Therefore, the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill can be used to shorten the cervical penetration time in estrus synchronized ewes.(AU)

High seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in Brazilian goat herds revealed by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis secreted proteins-based ELISA.

We conducted a seroepidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in goat herds in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Serum samples were collected from goats (n=676) from 108 rural properties in 2001, covering most of the sub-regions of this ca. 586,500 square kilometer state. Antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis secreted proteins were detected by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Most of the animals (78.9%) tested positive for CLA; 98% of flocks presented at least one seropositive animal. Goats managed under an extensive production system had a significantly higher seroprevalence of CLA than those in intensive and semi-intensive operations. The age distribution of the animals in the flocks affected the prevalence of this disease; however, goat breed did not. We found seropositivity against C. pseudotuberculosis to be highly prevalent in these Brazilian goat herds; consequently, appropriate management practices for the control of CLA should be implemented.

Limnological changes in Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil): natural and anthropogenic causes.

In order to verify changes in physical, chemical and biological features of Dom Helvécio Lake (South-East Brazil), this study compares previous and recent data obtained from limnological investigations over three decades. Plankton species composition and density together with environmental data from 1978, 1983, and during 1999 to 2006 showed changes driven by seasonal climatic forces or by anthropogenic causes. Changes in diversity are shown as a consequence of alternation of rainy and dry periods and introduction of exotic fish species. Finally, suggestions are made for improving conservation efforts in the area, through planned actions and monitoring programmes.

Zooplankton in littoral waters of a tropical lake: a revisited biodiversity.

The present study was carried out in Lake Dom Helvécio, in the state of Minas Gerais, with two main objectives: to demonstrate the contribution of the littoral zone, in order to better characterize zooplankton fauna; and to assess the distribution of zooplankton species in different habitats, i.e., the littoral zone with and without aquatic vegetation. The samples were collected in February and July 2006, throughout the littoral zone of the lake, in areas with and without aquatic vegetation. We identified a total of 188 species, of which 130 are new records for Lake Dom Helvécio. One hundred and eighty-four species were identified in the littoral zone with aquatic vegetation, and 117 in the zone with no vegetation. The higher zooplankton richness in areas of the littoral zone with aquatic vegetation can be related to the greater environmental heterogeneity. Compared to previous studies on the littoral zones of lakes along the middle River Doce, the present study expended greater sampling effort, and identified many more species. In relation to biological conservation, this study demonstrated the importance of the littoral zone for better characterization and conservation of the zooplankton fauna, especially when it is colonized by aquatic vegetation. Underestimating the richness of species may provide inaccurate data on the biota, as well as on the ecological conditions in an environment.

Radiology report turnaround: expectations and solutions.

The ultimate work product of a radiology department is a finalized radiology report. Radiology stakeholders are now demanding faster report turnaround times (RTAT) and anything that delays delivery of the finalized report will undermine the value of a radiology department. Traditional reporting methods are inherently inefficient and the desire to deliver fast RTAT will always be challenged. It is only through the adoption of an integrated radiology information system (RIS)/picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and voice recognition (VR) system that RTAT can consistently meet stakeholder expectations. VR systems also offer the opportunity to create standardized, higher quality reports.

Bite force and handgrip force in patients with molecular diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy.

Myotonic dystrophy is a multisystemic disease with varying symptomatology. The aim of this study was to compare the maximal bite force and handgrip force in patients with molecular diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy with those in a group of healthy individuals. It was hypothesized that these forces were reduced in the patients in comparison with the control subjects. The bite and handgrip forces of 37 patients with molecular diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy and 37 control subjects matched regarding age and gender were measured using an electronic dynamometer. The bite and handgrip forces were significantly lower in the myotonic dystrophy patient group when compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.0001). There were no significant force differences between genders, right- or left-hand side of mastication or hands in the myotonic dystrophy patient group whereas such differences were found among the controls. There were moderate but significant correlations between bite and handgrip force in both groups (r = 0.43-0.59; P < 0.01). It was concluded that there were considerable differences between the myotonic dystrophy group and the control subjects regarding both bite force and handgrip force. The weakness of the masticatory and hand muscles may have various negative consequences for oral function and dental health in patients with myotonic dystrophy.

Frequency of parafunctional oral habits in patients with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most frequent conditions encountered in the daily practice of dentists who treat special-needs patients and it seems that parafunctional oral habits are often present in such individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence of parafunctional habits in individuals with CP. Sixty-five patients with CP were evaluated through a questionnaire and clinical observation, regarding the following habits: pacifier-sucking, finger-sucking, biting objects, tongue interposition, and bruxism. The results showed that nine (13.8%) patients presented with pacifier-sucking, four (6.1%) showed finger-sucking, 12 (18.4%) had the habit of biting objects, 27 (41.5%) presented with tongue interposition, and 24 (36.9%) had eccentric bruxism. The significance of the presence of oral parafunctional habits in individuals with CP, revealed in this study, justifies the need to establish protocols for adequate prevention and clinical intervention in order to minimize the deleterious consequences that may result from such habits.

Prospective randomized trial of mechanical bowel preparation in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

A total of 149 patients admitted for elective colorectal surgery were randomly allocated to receive preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (group 1) or no mechanical bowel preparation (group 2). All patients received antimicrobial prophylaxis with cephalothin and metronidazole. The overall incidence of wound infection was 17.4 per cent (24 per cent for group 1, 12 per cent for group 2) and that of dehiscence 7.4 per cent (10 per cent for group 1, 5 per cent for group 2). The incidence of wound infection was significantly higher in group 1 (P < 0.05) but that of anastomotic dehiscence did not differ significantly between groups. Mechanical bowel preparation is unnecessary and may be harmful in terms of preventing wound infection and anastomotic dehiscence in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Angiodysplasia of the colon: endoscopic diagnosis and treatment.

Of 34 patients with massive lower intestinal bleeding, 17 (11 men and 6 women, age range 33-85 years; mean 64.8 years) were diagnosed as having angiodysplasia of the colon. The diagnosis was made by colonoscopy and the lesions were treated successfully by fulguration in 13 (86.6 per cent) of 15 patients. Two of the 17 patients underwent surgical resection of the involved intestinal segment. One patient still has sporadic intestinal haemorrhage, and another patient died from bleeding of the left colon after blind right colectomy. The remaining 13 patients have had no further bleeding in the 1-7 years following colonoscopic fulguration. Colonoscopy is a useful method of diagnosing angiodysplasia of the colon and affords the possibility of treatment.

Zooplankton in littoral waters of a tropical lake: a revisited biodiversity / Zooplâncton da região litorânea de um lago tropical: a biodiversidade revisitada

The present study was carried out in Lake Dom Helvécio, in the state of Minas Gerais, with two main objectives: to demonstrate the contribution of the littoral zone, in order to better characterize zooplankton fauna; and to assess the distribution of zooplankton species in different habitats, i.e., the littoral zone with and without aquatic vegetation. The samples were collected in February and July 2006, throughout the littoral zone of the lake, in areas with and without aquatic vegetation. We identified a total of 188 species, of which 130 are new records for Lake Dom Helvécio. One hundred and eighty-four species were identified in the littoral zone with aquatic vegetation, and 117 in the zone with no vegetation. The higher zooplankton richness in areas of the littoral zone with aquatic vegetation can be related to the greater environmental heterogeneity. Compared to previous studies on the littoral zones of lakes along the middle River Doce, the present study expended greater sampling effort, and identified many more species. In relation to biological conservation, this study demonstrated the importance of the littoral zone for better characterization and conservation of the zooplankton fauna, especially when it is colonized by aquatic vegetation. Underestimating the richness of species may provide inaccurate data on the biota, as well as on the ecological conditions in an environment.

O presente estudo foi realizado no lago Dom Helvécio (MG) tendo como principais objetivos: demonstrar a contribuição da região litorânea para uma melhor caracterização da fauna zooplanctônica, avaliar a distribuição destas espécies em diferentes habitats (região litorânea com e sem vegetação aquática). As amostras foram coletadas nos meses de fevereiro e julho de 2006, ao longo da região litorânea, em pontos amostrais com e sem vegetação aquática. Um total de 188 espécies foi identificado. Desses organismos, 130 representaram novos registros para o lago Dom Helvécio. Foram identificadas 184 espécies na região litorânea com vegetação aquática e 117 na região litorânea sem vegetação. A maior riqueza em espécies zooplanctônicas na região litorânea com vegetação aquática está relacionada com a maior heterogeneidade ambiental. Quando comparado aos estudos realizados anteriormente na região litorânea de lagos do médio rio Doce, este estudo destaca-se pelo maior esforço amostral e número de espécies identificadas. No tocante à conservação biológica, o presente estudo mostrou a importância da região litorânea, especialmente quando colonizada por vegetação aquática para uma melhor caracterização e conservação da fauna zooplanctônica. A riqueza em espécies subestimada pode fornecer dados irreais sobre a biota, bem como das condições ecológicas de um ambiente.