Simulating the selfing and migration of Luehea divaricata populations in the Pampa biome to investigate the conservation potential of their genetic resources.

Computer simulations are an important tool for developing conservation strategies for forest species. This study used simulations to investigate the genetic, ecological, and reproductive patterns that contribute to the genetic structure of the tree Luehea divaricata Mart. & Zucc. in five forest fragments in the Brazilian Pampa biome. Using the EASYPOP model, we determined the selfing and migration rates that would match the corresponding genetic structure of microsatellite marker data (based on observed and expected heterozygosity parameters). The simulated reproductive mode was mixed, with a high rate of outcrossing (rate = 0.7). This was consistent with a selfing-incompatible system in this species, which reduced, but did not prevent, selfing. The simulated migration rate was 0.02, which implied that the forest fragments were isolated by distance, and that the inbreeding coefficients were high. Based on Nei's gene diversity analysis, 94% of the genetic variability was distributed within the forest fragments, and only 6% of the genetic diversity was caused by differences between them. Furthermore, the minimum viable population and minimum viable area genetic conservation parameters (which determine conservation potential in the short and long term) suggested that only the Inhatinhum forest fragment had the short-term potential to maintain its genetic diversity. However, in the long term, none of the forest fragments proved to be sustainable, indicating that the populations will require intervention to prevent a decline in genetic variability. The creation of ecological corridors could be a useful solution to connect forest fragments and enhance gene flow between them.

Analogies Between the Cracking Noise of Ethanol-Dampened Charcoal and Earthquakes.

We report on an extensive characterization of the cracking noise produced by charcoal samples when dampened with ethanol. We argue that the evaporation of ethanol causes transient and irregularly distributed internal stresses that promote the fragmentation of the samples and mimic some situations found in mining processes. The results show that, in general, the most fundamental seismic laws ruling earthquakes (the Gutenberg-Richter law, the unified scaling law for the recurrence times, Omori's law, the productivity law, and Båth's law) hold under the conditions of the experiment. Some discrepancies were also identified (a smaller exponent in the Gutenberg-Richter law, a stationary behavior in the aftershock rates for long times, and a double power-law relationship in the productivity law) and are related to the different loading conditions. Our results thus corroborate and elucidate the parallel between the seismic laws and fracture experiments caused by a more complex loading condition that also occurs in natural and induced seismicity (such as long-term fluid injection and gas-rock outbursts in mining processes).

Study of the genetic diversity and structure of a natural population of Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. using RAPD markers.

Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. is a tree species that naturally occurs in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of a natural population of 12 N. megapotamica individuals using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Eleven primers were used in this study, producing 81 bands, of which 98.99% were polymorphic. Analysis using STRUCTURE defined three different clusters (K = 3), results that were consistent with those of principal coordinates analysis. Both Nei's genetic diversity (h = 0.33) and Shannon's diversity index (I = 0.49) were relatively high. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 24.89% of the genetic variability was among clusters, while the remaining 75.11% was within clusters. The Mantel test showed a weak correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.25, P = 0.105). Overall, the results revealed high levels of genetic diversity within clusters and high genetic differentiation among clusters without any spatial pattern of genetic variability. In addition, gene flow was independent of the geographical distribution and was compatible with the hierarchical island model.

Radiopacity and mechanical properties of dental adhesives with strontium hydroxyapatite nanofillers.

OBJECTIVES: Dental resins filled with hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles have significantly revolutionized restorative dentistry offering advantages such as remineralization potential and increase of polymerization. However, these materials have limited radiopacity hindering the diagnosis of secondary caries. The present study investigated the development of a new radiopaque dental adhesive by incorporating novel pure strontium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles [Sr10(PO4)6(OH)2, SrHAp] synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. METHODS: Strontium phosphates were prepared using co-precipitation (SrHAp0h) and hydrothermal treatment for 2 and 5h (SrHAp2h and SrHAp5h). The crystallinity, crystallite size, textural and morphology features of the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, micro-Raman and TEM. Strontium hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) or calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles were then incorporated (10 wt%) into an adhesive resin of a commercial three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive to evaluate the radiopacity of disk-shaped specimens, degree of conversion (DC) assessed by FT-IR and mechanical properties by three-point bending test. The unfilled adhesive was used as negative control. RESULTS: While SrHAp0h and SrHAp2h resulted a phase mixing, the pure and highly crystalline phase of strontium hydroxyapatite free of calcium was obtained with 5h hydrothermal treatment (SrHAp5h). The TEM images revealed nanorods morphology for SrHAp5h. SrHAps incorporated into adhesive showed higher radiopacity, no alteration on DC despite slightly reducing the mechanical properties. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the mechanical properties are slightly impaired, incorporation of SrHAp nanoparticles offers potential method to improve radiopacity of restorative dental resins, easing the tracking of actual remineralization effects and enabling diagnosis of recurrent caries.

Dietary protein modulates digestive enzyme activities and gene expression in red tilapia juveniles.

It is known that the level of dietary protein modulates the enzymatic activity of the digestive tract of fish; however, its effect at the molecular level on these enzymes and the hormones regulating appetite has not been well characterised. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CP on the activity of proteases and the expression of genes related to the ingestion and protein digestion of juveniles of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), as well as the effects on performance, protein retention and body composition of tilapia. A total of 240 juveniles (29.32 ± 5.19 g) were used, distributed across 20 tanks of 100 l in a closed recirculation system. The fish were fed to apparent satiety for 42 days using four isoenergetic diets with different CP levels (24%, 30%, 36% and 42%). The results indicate that fish fed the 30% CP diet exhibited a higher growth performance compared to those on the 42% CP diet (P < 0.05). Feed intake in fish fed 24% and 30% CP diets was significantly higher than that in fish fed 36% and 42% CP diets (P < 0.05). A significant elevation of protein retention was observed in fish fed with 24% and 30% CP diets. Fish fed with 24% CP exhibited a significant increase in lipid deposition in the whole body. The diet with 42% CP was associated with the highest expression of pepsinogen and the lowest activity of acid protease (P < 0.05). The expression of hepatopancreatic trypsinogen increased as CP levels in the diet increased (P < 0.05) up to 36%, whereas trypsin activity showed a significant reduction with 42% CP (P < 0.05). The diet with 42% CP was associated with the lowest intestinal chymotrypsinogen expression and the lowest chymotrypsin activity (P < 0.05). α-amylase expression decreased with increasing (P < 0.05) CP levels up to 36%. No significant differences were observed in the expression of procarboxypeptidase, lipase or leptin among all the groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the diet with 42% CP resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in the expression of ghrelin and insulin and an increase (P < 0.05) in the expression of cholecystokinin and peptide yy. It is concluded that variation in dietary protein promoted changes in the metabolism of the red tilapia, which was reflected in proteolytic activity and expression of digestion and appetite-regulating genes.

Feline Leukaemia Virus Associated with Leukaemia in Cats in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Leukaemia is a haemopoietic neoplasm originating from myeloid or lymphoid precursors in the bone marrow and may be either acute or chronic. These tumours are rare, but occur more frequently in cats because of an association with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). To the best of our knowledge, no studies conducted in Brazil to date have analysed the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The aim of this study was to perform a histopathological analysis of feline leukaemia and evaluate the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The study evaluated 37 cats with leukaemia diagnosed between 2009 and 2017. The animals underwent necropsy examination, histopathology and immunohistochemistry with anti-FeLV gp70 and anti-FIV p24 gag antibodies. Of the evaluated animals, 54% (20/37) were males and 43.2% (16/37) were females. With respect to the life stage of the animals, 24.3% (9/37) were junior, 32.4% (12/37) were prime, 18.9% (7/37) were mature and 10.8% (4/37) were senior, and five animals were of unknown age. Myeloid leukaemia occurred in 56.8% (21/37) of the cases and lymphocytic leukaemia occurred in 43.2% (16/37) of the cases. Acute leukaemia (73%, 27/37) was more common than chronic leukaemia (27%, 10/37). The positivity for FeLV (78.4%, 29/37) and FIV (16.2%, 6/37) indicated a high association between FeLV infection and tumour development in the study region.

Feline Lymphoma and a High Correlation with Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Brazil.

Lymphoma is the most important haemopoietic tumour in cats and has been associated with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection. In Brazil, no studies have established a correlation between FeLV infection and lymphoma. The aim of this study was to characterize lymphomas arising in cats in Brazil anatomically and microscopically, and to correlate these data with FeLV infection as determined by immunohistochemistry for the FeLV gp70 antigen. Fifty-three cats with lymphoma were evaluated. The mean age of junior, prime, mature, senior and geriatric cats was 1.65 years, 4.34 years, 8 years, 12.14 years and 15.5 years, respectively. The anatomical types of lymphoma were multicentric (43.4%, 23/53), mediastinal (33.96%, 18/53), renal (11.32%, 6/53), hepatic (5.66%, 3/53), nodal (3.77%, 2/53) and alimentary (1.89 %, 1/53). The histological types were small noncleaved-cell (33.96%, 18/53), mixed diffuse (22.64%, 12/53), immunoblastic (15.11%, 8/53), lymphoblastic (11, 32%, 6/53), small lymphocytic (9.43%, 5/53), small cleaved-cell (3.77%, 2/53) and large cell lymphomas (3.77%, 2/3). Immunopositivity for FeLV was observed in 56.6% (30/53) of the samples. FeLV positivity was equally distributed between the genders, but predominated in junior and prime cats. The degree of association between lymphoma and FeLV infection in Brazil was higher than that found in other countries, demonstrating the need to prevent and control the factors associated with infection.

Gene expression, enzyme activity and performance of Nile tilapia larvae fed with diets of different CP levels.

Protein is the most costly nutrient in fish feed, and while diets offered in the early stages of development typically have high levels of CP, they do not always correspond to the real requirements of the animals. Thus, research that seeks to learn the true nutritional requirements of fish is fundamental to improving commercial fish culture. The present study evaluated the protein requirements of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under larviculture. Fish performance, gene expression for digestive enzymes and their enzymatic activity and stress response to air exposure were analyzed. Four experimental diets differing in CP level were formulated: 30%, 36%, 42% and 48%. Fish larvae were fed the experimental diets during development and sampled 10, 20 and 30 days after the beginning of the experiment for performance, gene expression and enzymatic activity. At sampling time 30, stress resistance was also evaluated by means of an air exposure test. At sampling time 10, CP levels between 36% and 48% could be used for a better performance. During this period, pepsinogen expression was greater for 30% CP, intermediate for 42% and lower for 36% and 48%. After this initial period, diets of between 30% and 42% CP are recommended for better performance. At sampling time 20, gene expression for digestive enzymes and their enzymatic activity were similar for all diets tested. At sampling time 30, the diet of 42% CP induced both greater pepsinogen expression and pepsin activity. Survival after the air exposure test after 30 days of feeding was influenced by CP level in the diet, with the highest survival being for fish fed with 36% CP. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that dietary CP influences digestive enzyme gene expression and activity, and suggest that the best CP levels for Nile tilapia larviculture vary depending on larval stage.

Quality of life in mucopolysaccharidoses: construction of a specific measure using the focus group technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceptions of patients, their caregivers, and their healthcare providers to the development of a new specific instrument for assessment of the quality of life (QoL) in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) using a qualitative focus group (FG) design. FGs were held in two Brazilian states (Rio Grande do Sul and Rio de Janeiro). RESULTS: Three versions of the new instrument were developed, each for a different age group: children (age 8-12 years), adolescents (age 13-17), and adults (age ≥ 18). The FGs mostly confirmed the relevance of items. All FGs unanimously agreed on the facets: School, Happiness, Life Prospects, Religiosity, Pain, Continuity of Treatment, Trust in Treatment, Relationship with Family, Relationship with Healthcare Providers, Acceptance, and Meaning of Life. The overall concept of QoL (as proposed by the WHO-World Health Organization) and its facets apply to this patient population. However, other specific facets-particularly concerning clinical manifestations and the reality of the disease-were suggested, confirming the need for the development of a specific QoL instrument for MPS.

Daily rhythms in the somatotropic axis of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis): The time of day influences the response to GH administration.

Growth factors in vertebrates display daily rhythms, which, while widely described in mammals, are still poorly understood in teleost fish. Here, we investigated the existence of daily rhythms in the somatotropic axis of the flatfish Solea senegalensis. In a first experiment, daily rhythms of the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (pacap), growth hormone (gh), insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf1) and its receptor (igf1r) were analyzed under a 12:12 h light:dark cycle. All genes displayed daily rhythms with the acrophases of pacap, gh and igf1 located in the second half of the dark phase (ZT 20:28-0:04 h), whereas the acrophase of igf1r was located around mid-light (ZT 5:33 h). In a second experiment, the influence of the time of day (mid-light, ML, versus mid-darkness, MD) of GH administration on the expression of these factors and on plasma glucose levels was tested. The response observed depended on the time of injection: the strongest effects were observed at MD, when GH administration significantly reduced pituitary gh and enhanced liver igf1 expression. These results provide the first evidence of daily rhythms and differential day/night effects in growth factors in S. senegalensis, suggesting new insights for investigating the physiology of growth and possible applications to improve fish aquaculture.

Sepsis due to Yersinia enterocolitica in an aborted equine fetus: case report / Sepse por Yersinia enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado: relato de caso

Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium with zoonotic potential and there are no previous records of this bacteria being isolated from aborted foals. This report aims to describe a case of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica in a seven month old aborted equine. The fequinoetus was submitted to necropsy and samples of all the organs were collected for the histological exam. Samples of liver, lung, placenta, and stomach contents were collected for bacterial culture. Macroscopically, the liver was enlarged with yellowish heterogeneous color, heart with pale myocardial areas; lungs not collapsed, heavy and shiny, thickened umbilical cord covered with fibrin and pus. Histopathologically, there was moderate multifocal necrosuppurative myocarditis and thrombosis, moderate diffuse suppurative bronchopneumonia, mild multifocal fibrinonecrotic hepatitis, and moderate diffuse necrosuppurative omphalitis with intralesional bacterial myriads and thrombosis. Mild multifocal suppurative placentitis, nephritis, myositis, cystitis, and dermatitis were also observed, in addition to mild diffuse lymphoid rarefaction. The microbiological evaluation identified Y. enterocolitica in the liver, lung, and stomach fluid. This is the first report of sepsis due to Y. enterocolitica causing an abortion in a horse. This bacterium has zoonotic importance; therefore, it should be investigated in abortion in this species, serving as a differential diagnosis in reproductive disorders.(AU)

Yersinia enterocolitica é uma bactéria com potencial zoonótico, e não há informações desse agente como causa de abortamento em equinos. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de sepse por Y. enterocolitica em um feto equino abortado aos sete meses. O feto foi submetido à necropsia, e amostras de todos os órgãos foram processadas para histopatologia. Para microbiologia, foram coletadas amostras de fígado, pulmão, placenta e conteúdo estomacal. Macroscopicamente, observou-se fígado aumentado com coloração amarelada heterogênea; coração com áreas pálidas no miocárdio; pulmões não colabados, pesados e brilhantes; e cordão umbilical espessado e recoberto por fibrina e pus. Na análise histopatológica, havia miocardite necrossupurativa multifocal moderada e trombose, broncopneumonia supurativa difusa moderada, hepatite fibrinonecrótica multifocal discreta e onfalite necrossupurativa difusa moderada com miríades bacterianas intralesionais e trombose. Observou-se também placentite, nefrite, miosite, cistite e dermatite supurativa multifocal discreta, além de rarefação linfoide difusa discreta. A avaliação microbiológica identificou Y. enterocolitica no fígado, no pulmão e no líquido estomacal. Este é o primeiro relato de sepse por Y. enterocolitica causando abortamento na espécie equina. Essa bactéria tem importância zoonótica, portanto deve ser investigada em casos de abortamento nessa espécie, servindo como diagnóstico diferencial em tal distúrbio reprodutivo.(AU)

Continuous majority-vote model.

We introduce a kinetic irreversible XY model and investigate its dynamic critical behavior through short-time Monte Carlo simulations on square lattices with periodic boundary conditions, starting from an ordered state. We find evidence that this system exhibits a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like phase for low values of the noise parameter. We present results for the correlation function exponent eta for several noise values. We also find that the dynamic critical exponent z is in agreement with the value expected for local update Monte Carlo rules.

Relative distribution of gastrin-, CCK-8-, NPY- and CGRP-immunoreactive cells in the digestive tract of dorado (Salminus brasiliensis).

The endocrine cells (ECs) of the gastrointestinal mucosa form the largest endocrine system in the body, not only in terms of cell numbers but also in terms of the different produced substances. Data describing the association between the relative distributions of the peptide-specific ECs in relation to feeding habits can be useful tools that enable the creation of a general expected pattern of EC distribution. We aimed to investigate the distribution of ECs immunoreactive for the peptides gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK-8), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in different segments of the digestive tract of carnivorous fish dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) by using immunohistochemistry procedures. The distribution of endocrine cells immunoreactive for gastrin (GAS), cholecystokinin (CCK-8), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in digestive tract of dorado S. brasiliensis was examined by immunohistochemistry. The results describe the association between the distribution of the peptide-specific endocrine cells and feeding habits in different carnivorous fish. The largest number of endocrine cells immunoreactive for GAS, CCK-8, and CGRP were found in the pyloric stomach region and the pyloric caeca. However, NPY-immunoreactive endocrine cells were markedly restricted to the midgut. The distribution pattern of endocrine cells identified in S. brasiliensis is similar to that found in other carnivorous fishes.

Can insoluble polysaccharide concentration in dental plaque, sugar exposure and cariogenic microorganisms predict early childhood caries? A follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Insoluble polysaccharide (IP) has been associated with caries prevalence in young children. However, the power of IP to predict ECC needs to be demonstrated. AIMS: To assess the relationships between early childhood caries (ECC) and extracellular insoluble polysaccharides (IP) in dental plaque, sugar exposure and cariogenic microorganisms. DESIGN: Visible plaque on maxillary incisors was recorded, followed by caries diagnosis in 65 preschoolers (3-4 years) at baseline and after 1 year. Plaque was collected for mutans streptococci (MS), total microorganism (TM) and lactobacilli (LB) enumerations in selective media, as well as for IP analysis, which was later assessed by colorimetry. Sugar/sucrose exposure was assessed by a diet chart. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found among the prevalence of caries and MS, TM, LB, solid sucrose and visible dental plaque. Additionally, children with IP concentrations in dental plaque higher than 2.36 µg/mg (odds ratio-OR=6.8), with visible plaque on maxillary incisors (OR=4.3), harbouring LB (OR=13) and exposed to solid sugar more than twice/day (OR=5) showed higher risk of developing caries (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Extracellular insoluble polysaccharides, solid sugar/sucrose, visible dental plaque and cariogenic microorganisms could predict caries development, partially explaining the ECC pattern.

Accessibility of selected hospitals and medical procedures by means of aerial and transit network-based measures.

OBJECTIVE: This report investigates the use of linear and travelled route (transit network-based) distances in estimating the accessibility of hospitals to patients, for some selected hospital admission diagnostics. METHODS: For patients admitted to 14 public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro City, during 1996, under the ICD-9 headings "Complications of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium" and "Disorders of the Circulatory System", average distances between the patient's district of residence and hospital of admission were calculated (both as Euclidean and as network-based distances). Data were obtained from the country's public health data processing agency. Geographic co-ordinates were obtained for districts of residence from the postal codes of the patients' residences. Distances were estimated with the TransCAD Geographical Information System, based on a map of the city transit network. There were 8654 patients admitted under the "Complications of Pregnancy" heading and 3439 under "Disorders of Circulatory System". RESULTS: Variations of up to a factor of 5.3, and up to 34 km, could be identified between linear and network estimates. CONCLUSION: While recognizing that network estimates have advantages, the literature on accessibility frequently argues that aerial estimates are a good approximation for those. The present results show that this is not necessarily the case.

[Evaluation of the ventricular arrhythmogenic profile of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fraction]. / Avaliação do perfil arritmogênico ventricular de pacientes com miocradiopatia dilatada e fralcão de Ejeção diminuída.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the arrhythmogenic profile of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of low ejection fraction and its prognostic significance. METHODS: Data from 40 patients (30 males; mean age: 52 +/- 13 years) were analysed including ventricular arrhythmias (24h - Holter monitoring), autonomic balance from heart rate variability in time domain (rMSSD and pNN50 indexes), ventricular late potentials (signal averaged electrocardiogram (ECG) and dispersion of ventricular repolarization measured from 12-lead ECG. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias with at least one episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 60% of the patients. Depressed vagal activity was observed in more than half of the patients. In only 30% of the patients the signal-averaged ECG was positive. The dispersion of ventricular repolarization ranged from 20 to 100 ms. The presence of > 30 ventricular premature beats or nonsustained VT on Holter monitoring was the most significant predictor of cardiac death and sudden cardiac death with a relative risk of 1.9 and 3.2, respectively (p = 0.01 and 0.000). CONCLUSION: In this study population it was noted that patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and low ejection fraction had an abnormal electrical and autonomic cardiac behaviour. These findings could represent risk factors for the occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias or fatal events.

[Single daily dose of verapamil (COER-24 180/24 mg) in mild and moderate hypertension evaluated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring]. / Verapamil COER-24 180/240 mg na hipertensão arterial leve a moderada em dose única diária avaliado pela monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-hypertensive effect of verapamil COER-24 180/240 mg in a single dose at bedtime as single therapy in mild to moderate hypertensives. METHODS: A multicentric, open, placebo controlled study of 81 hypertensive patients older than 20 years-old followed to 8 weeks. Blood pressure was measured in doctor's office and by 24 h ambulatory monitoring (ABPM). RESULTS: We observed a decreased in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in doctor's office at 4th and 8th weeks. ABPM showed that both systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, heart rate and the mean 24-hour blood pressure load decreased after the 8-week treatment. In addition, there was a reduction of the double-product, especially in the morning and 68% of the patients didn't have any adverse events. CONCLUSION: The therapy verapamil COER-24 180/240 mg in a single dose is useful for mild and moderate hypertensive patients, with significant pressure decrease in both office blood pressure measurements and in the ABPM/24 hours, as well as showing good tolerability.

Trueperella pyogenes como causa de aborto em uma vaca - relato de caso / Trueperella pyogenes as an abortion cause in a cow - case report

Trueperella pyogenes é uma bactéria oportunista que causa mastite, metrite e abortos esporádicos em bovinos. Este trabalho relata um caso incomum de abort em uma vaca por Trueperella pyogenes. Um feto bovino, fêmea, mestiço Brahman, com oito meses de gestação, foi encaminhado para exame anatomopatológico e exames complementares. Na necropsia, evidenciou-se grande quantidade de líquido serossanguinolento e moderada quantidade de fibrina recobrindo a pleura visceral e o saco pericárdico. Os pulmões estavam difusamente avermelhados e consolidados, com áreas firmes esbranquiçadas ao corte de não mais de 1cm. No exame histopatológico, observou-se pneumonia necrossupurativa, pleurite fibrinopurulenta e placentite purulenta. No exame microbiológico, isolou-se T. pyogenes nas amostras de fígado, pulmões, conteúdo abomasal do feto e placenta. O feto foi negativo na PCR para Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii e vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV). Trueperella pyogenes geralmente causa broncopneumonia supurativa com formação de abscessos, porém, no presente feto abortado, observaram-se lesões macro e microscópicas comumente descritas em casos de aborto por Brucella abortus. Este estudo constata, então, a importância dessa bactéria como causa de aborto em bovinos, com lesões semelhantes à brucelose, destacando sua relevância dentro das causas de aborto em bovinos e o potencial zoonótico pouco explorado.(AU)

Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic bacterium associated with mastitis, metritis and occasional abortion in bovines. Here we report an uncommon case of abortion by T. pyogenes in a cow. An aborted female Brahman bovine fetus, at 8 months of gestational age was submitted for anatomopathological examination and complementary diagnostic tests. Macroscopic findings at necropsy included large amounts of free serum-blood fluid and moderate fibrin deposition covering both the visceral pleura and pericardial sack. The lungs were diffusely reddened and markedly consolidated, showing widespread smaller than 1cm, hard, white nodules. Necrosuppurative pneumonia, fibrinopurulent pleuritis, and purulent placentitis were the main histopathologic alterations observed. Trueperella pyogenes was isolated from liver, lungs, abomasa contents and placental samples. All tissue samples were PCR-negative for Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Although T. pyogenes is often involved in suppurative bronchopneumonia and abscesses formation, macro and microscopic lesions in the present report were compatible with those commonly attributed to Brucella abortus fetal infections. Trueperella pyogenes is an important bovine pathogen with a neglected zoonotic potential being responsible for infections that can mimic other diseases' typical presentations.(AU)

Percutaneous sciatic nerve block with tramadol induces analgesia and motor blockade in two animal pain models.

Local anesthetic efficacy of tramadol has been reported following intradermal application. Our aim was to investigate the effect of perineural tramadol as the sole analgesic in two pain models. Male Wistar rats (280-380 g; N = 5/group) were used in these experiments. A neurostimulation-guided sciatic nerve block was performed and 2% lidocaine or tramadol (1.25 and 5 mg) was perineurally injected in two different animal pain models. In the flinching behavior test, the number of flinches was evaluated and in the plantar incision model, mechanical and heat thresholds were measured. Motor effects of lidocaine and tramadol were quantified and a motor block score elaborated. Tramadol, 1.25 mg, completely blocked the first and reduced the second phase of the flinching behavior test. In the plantar incision model, tramadol (1.25 mg) increased both paw withdrawal latency in response to radiant heat (8.3 ± 1.1, 12.7 ± 1.8, 8.4 ± 0.8, and 11.1 ± 3.3 s) and mechanical threshold in response to von Frey filaments (459 ± 82.8, 447.5 ± 91.7, 320.1 ± 120, 126.43 ± 92.8 mN) at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min, respectively. Sham block or contralateral sciatic nerve block did not differ from perineural saline injection throughout the study in either model. The effect of tramadol was not antagonized by intraperitoneal naloxone. High dose tramadol (5 mg) blocked motor function as well as 2% lidocaine. In conclusion, tramadol blocks nociception and motor function in vivo similar to local anesthetics.

Estimação de valores genéticos para codornas europeias em função dos níveis da relação treonina: lisina da dieta: do nascimento aos 21 dias de idade / Estimation of breeding values for European quails in function of threonine: lysine ratios of diet: from birth to 21 days of age

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a sensibilidade dos valores genéticos dos pesos corporais e as características de carcaças de codornas europeias às mudanças do gradiente ambiental (níveis da relação treonina com a lisina das dietas), do nascimento aos 21 dias de idade, por meio de modelos de regressão aleatória com diferentes classes de variância residual. Os dados utilizados neste estudo são provenientes de 915 codornas de corte da linhagem LF1 e 839 da linhagem LF2, pertencentes ao Programa de Melhoramento Genético da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri. Foram avaliados os pesos corporais e os rendimentos da carcaça das aves. As sensibilidades dos valores genéticos às mudanças nos níveis da relação treonina:lisina (interação genótipo x ambiente) foram obtidas por modelos de regressão aleatória (utilizando normas de reação) por meio do programa Wombat, que utiliza o princípio da máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML). O modelo de regressão aleatória que considerou duas classes de variância residual foi o mais indicado para a maioria das análises realizadas. Verificaram-se alterações na classificação dos valores genéticos para as duas linhagens de codornas de corte estudadas. Esse comportamento indica sensibilidade de valores genéticos aditivos às mudanças nutricionais, o que caracteriza a existência de interação genótipo x ambiente. A predição dos valores genéticos deve ser feita com o mesmo nível da relação treonina:lisina da dieta com a qual as codornas serão alimentadas no sistema de produção.(AU)

This research was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of breeding values of body weight and carcass traits in two lines of European quails (LF1 and LF2) to changes in the environment gradient (levels of threonine: lysine ratio of diets) from hatch to 21 days of age in two lines LF1 and LF2 using Random Regression Models with different classes of residual variance. Records are from 915 quails of line LF1 and 839 of line LF2 belonging to the Breeding Improvement Program of Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri. Live body weight and weights and yields of carcass, breast, and thigh and drumstick were measured. The sensitivities of breeding values to changes in threonine: lysine ratios (genotype x environment interaction) of diets were obtained by random regression models (reaction model) using the WOMBAT program using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood principle. Model considering two classes of residual variance showed the best goodness of fit. The Reaction Norms analyses indicated changes in the ranking of breeding values for both lines suggesting quails selected in one level of threonine: lysine ratio will not express all their genetic potential if fed different threonine: lysine ratio diets. This behavior indicates sensitivity of breeding values to changes in the nutrition characterizing the genotype by environment interaction. The prediction of breeding values must be performed using the same level of threonine: lysine ratio in diet the quails will be fed in the production system.(AU)