New perspectives in a microstructure study of the bovine and bubaline claw.

The techniques of microtomography (Micro-CT), confocal laser scanner microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation - Vickers hardness (Nano-VH) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are undeniably important to the modern study of bovine podiatry. These techniques are also employed in engineering, physics and in the assessment of biomaterials used in reconstructive or experimental surgeries in bovine and bubaline claws. Although studies involving these analyses are still inconspicuous in veterinary medicine, these technologies represent a new paradigm in this area, enabling the development of new lines of research. The objective of this review is to gather information about the microstructural aspects of bovine and bubaline claws, concerning the intratubular and extratubular keratin, which is responsible for the physical and mechanical structure of the claw capsule. This study elucidates different methods used to evaluate the hooves of healthy and sick animals through a micrometric analysis and nano-scale analyses. We would like to emphasise that the described techniques can be applied to study other species.

Effects of low-intensity non-coherent light therapy on the inflammatory process in the calcaneal tendon of ovariectomized rats.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of low-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy on the inflammatory process in the calcaneal tendon of ovariectomized rats (OVX) through the involvement of the inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: 3 groups of OVX rats totaling 30 rats (untreated OVX rats [OVX injury group], treated OVX rats [OVX LED group], and control OVX rats; subgroups existed based on the sampling times, which were 3, 7, and 14 days) and 1 group of non-OVX rats (not OVX; n = 5). Tendon injury was induced by trauma using a 208-g mass placed at 20 cm from the right tendon of each animal with energy of 0.70 J. The animals were treated 12 h after tendonitis with LED therapy and every 48 h thereafter until euthanasia (at 3, 7, or 14 days). The tendons were dissected and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C, thawed only at the time of immunoenzymatic testing (ELISA). Groups treated with LED showed a decrease in the number of pro-inflammatory cells, IL-6, and TNF-α (p <0.05), and an increase in IL-10 (p < 0.05) when compared to the not OVX group (p < 0.05). It was concluded that low-intensity LED treatment using the parameters and wavelength of 945 nm in the time periods studied reduced the release of IL-6 and TNF-α and increased the release of IL-10, thereby improving the inflammatory response in OVX rats.

Microstructure of the hoof capsule of pigmented and partial albino buffaloes.

In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM), microtomography (MCT-2D and MCT-3D) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) were used to generate parameters of the microstructure of the hoof capsule of pigmented and partial albino buffaloes. Seventy-two digits of adult pigmented buffaloes and 16 of partial albino buffaloes were used and equally divided into thoracic and pelvic limbs and medial and lateral claws. Fragments of 10 mm × 10 mm of the dorsal wall, abaxial wall and pre-bulbar sole were collected. The parametric assumptions were tested using a Shapiro-Wilk test (normality). The independent t-test was used to compare the means at a 5% significance level. AFM demonstrated that the hoof surface of pigmented buffaloes presented with higher average surface roughness (Ra) and root mean square roughness (Rms) (p < 0.05) than the hoof surface of partial albino buffaloes. MCT-2D revealed that pigmented buffaloes had extra tubular keratin with a higher density than intratubular keratin. No pores were observed in the hoof capsule of the buffalo digits. MCT-3D demonstrated that pigmented buffaloes have a higher percentage of large and intermediate horn tubules than partial albino buffaloes. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Partial albino buffaloes showed a statistically higher number of horn tubules/mm2 than pigmented buffaloes (p < 0.05). EDXRF revealed a higher amount of sulphur (S) in the hoof capsule of pigmented buffaloes, and the partial albino buffaloes presented a higher number of minerals such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu).

COVID-19 containment management strategies in a nursing home.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the first COVID-19 pandemic at Casa Ondina Lobo, a philanthropic nursing home in São Paulo city, and the containment measures against the pandemic that proved to be effective. METHODS: Several preventive measures were taken before and during the pandemic, with emphasis on universal testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19. All residents and employees were tested twice in a D9 period. RESULTS: Among the 62 residents and 55 employees, in both testing, eight residents and nine employees tested positive for COVID-19. Of 22% of employees and 75% of residents evolved asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of universal testing for the detection and isolation of these cases. A quarter of residents evolved without any symptoms, however, with COVID-19 signs, reinforcing the importance of monitoring vital signs. The second testing did not detect any new cases among residents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the containment measures, however, it found four new cases among employees. This emphasized their role in COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes. Only one patient died, a 12.5% lethality among those known to be infected and a 1.6% mortality in the total population of residents were seen. CONCLUSION: The adoption of appropriate containment measures enabled to contain an COVID-19 pandemic in studied nursing home. Universal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19 has proved to be particularly important and effective.

Mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers after biotin supplementation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily biotin supplementation on the mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers. The heifers were housed on a concrete floor and fed for weight gain more than 800 g per day, which is a challenging environment for the hoof. Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (Jersey × Holstein) were divided into two treatment groups. Animals in the control group (n = 6) received a diet without supplemental biotin, while the heifers in the biotin-supplemented feed group (n = 6) each received 20 mg of biotin daily for 120 days. Samples of the abaxial hoof wall were collected from the outer claw of the fore and hind limb, before and after supplementation. The samples were evaluated by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, computed microtomography, atomic force microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biotin supplementation increased the sulphur content and decreased the calcium and potassium content in the abaxial hoof wall. Biotin treatment also increased the percentage of horn tubules with smaller diameter marrow (17-51 µm). However, biotin did not influence the surface relief of the hoof wall, suggesting that its action is limited to the inner layers of the stratum corneum. Daily supplementation with 20 mg of biotin promoted changes in the mineral composition and microstructure of abaxial hoof wall of crossbred dairy heifers. These findings suggest biotin supplementation improves hoof quality and may help to understand the function of biotin in the stratum corneum.

Echocardiographic parameters and brain natriuretic peptide in patients after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot.

BACKGROUND: Although the residual lesions after surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) can be evaluated by Doppler echocardiography (DE), the relation of DE parameters with the proBNP level, a potential biomarker of right ventricle overload, is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the DE parameters and their relation to proBNP levels. METHODS: proBNP plasma level and Doppler echocardiography parameters were obtained on the same day in 49 patients later after repair of TOF (mean age of 14.7 years, 51% female, mean PO time of 9.5 years). The DE parameters studied were the dimensions of the right atrium (RA) and ventricle (RV), RV diastolic and systolic function, and residual pulmonary lesions. The relation between them and proBNP levels were analyzed and the cutoff values of DE parameters for elevated proBNP determined. RESULTS: proBNP was elevated in 53% and correlated with RV diastolic diameter (r = 0.41; P = 0.003), RA longitudinal (r = 0.52; P = 0.0001) and transversal (r = 0.47; P = 0.001) diameters, pressure half time of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) velocity (PHT) (r =-0.42; P = 0.005), and the PR index (r =-0.60; P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, the PR index (r =-597; P = 0,001; CI: -913.2 to -280.8) and RA longitudinal (r = 7.74; P < 0,001; CI 4.18 to 11.31) were independent predictors of elevated proBNP. PHT lower than 64 msec (0.76) and PRi lower than 0.65 (0.81) had the best accuracy for elevated proBNP. CONCLUSION: proBNP may be increased in patients after surgical repair of TOF, correlated with the size of right cardiac chambers and the severity of PR.

COVID-19 in long-term care facilities for the elderly: laboratory screening and disease dissemination prevention strategies. / COVID-19 nas instituições de longa permanência para idosos: estratégias de rastreamento laboratorial e prevenção da propagação da doença.

An infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has unveiled a hitherto hidden reality: the vulnerability of the population living in long-term care facilities for the elderly (LTCF). To date, several scientific publications have revealed a concentration of up to 60% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in such institutions. Most LTFC residents share the primary risk factors currently associated with increased morbimortality due to the COVID-19 infection. It is crucial to define actions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread in this environment, besides the usual measures of social distancing and isolation of the carriers of this disease. This paper proposes strategies for the investigation of this infection in LTCF residents and workers using laboratory tests available in Brazil. The early identification of individuals with SARS-CoV-2, who may actively and continuously spread the virus, allows adopting measures aimed at interrupting the local transmission cycle of this infection.

NT-proBNP as a tool to stratify disease severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The recent development of treatment modalities for patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has been based on the evaluation of many different markers such as functional capacity, addressed by NYHA classification, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and hemodynamic parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) with other markers in IPAH and its potential for patient stratification. We studied 42 IPAH patients consecutively evaluated through right heart catheterization in the absence of any specific treatment for pulmonary hypertension. Blood samples, clinical evaluation and 6MWF distance were collected at baseline. The levels of NT-proBNP showed a high correlation with hemodynamic parameters, such as pulmonary vascular resistance (r=0.80, P<0.001). A significant difference was found among patients with different functional classes, addressed by NYHA classification (P< 0.02 for all groups comparison). The discriminant analysis reinforced the ability of NT-proBNP to stratify patients according to NYHA functional class. Compared to the other variables studied (hemodynamics and 6MWT), NT-proBNP had the lowest level of overlap in the stratification of IPAH patients. We conclude that NT-proBNP differs among the different functional classes and correlates with other measures of disease severity, although its role in predicting survival still needs to be addressed.

COVID-19 containment management strategies in a nursing home

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the first COVID-19 pandemic at Casa Ondina Lobo, a philanthropic nursing home in São Paulo city, and the containment measures against the pandemic that proved to be effective. Methods: Several preventive measures were taken before and during the pandemic, with emphasis on universal testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19. All residents and employees were tested twice in a D9 period. Results: Among the 62 residents and 55 employees, in both testing, eight residents and nine employees tested positive for COVID-19. Of 22% of employees and 75% of residents evolved asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of universal testing for the detection and isolation of these cases. A quarter of residents evolved without any symptoms, however, with COVID-19 signs, reinforcing the importance of monitoring vital signs. The second testing did not detect any new cases among residents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the containment measures, however, it found four new cases among employees. This emphasized their role in COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes. Only one patient died, a 12.5% lethality among those known to be infected and a 1.6% mortality in the total population of residents were seen. Conclusion: The adoption of appropriate containment measures enabled to contain an COVID-19 pandemic in studied nursing home. Universal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19 has proved to be particularly important and effective.

[NT pro-BNP levels in pericardial diseases and how they are used as complementary evaluation method of diastolic restriction. Initial experience: 25 cases]. / Dosagem dos níveis de NT pro-BNP nas afecções pericárdicas e sua utilidade como método complementar de avaliação de restrição diastólica. Experiência inicial de 25 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether NT pro-BNP levels are high in patients reporting pericardial diseases, as well as to investigate how they relate to diastolic dysfunction echocardiographic measures. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were split into two groups: 1) pericardial effusion (PE): 15 patients; 2) constrictive pericarditis (CP): 10 patients. A control group was made up with 30 individuals reporting no heart disease. Pericardial effusion was evaluated by bidimensional echocardiogram, with restriction evaluated by pulsed Doppler of mitral flow. CP diagnosis was confirmed by MRI. NT pro-BNP levels were measured by immunoassay and detected by electrochemiluminescence. RESULTS: From the 15 PD patients, 14 reported relevant PD, and only 1, moderate PD. Log NT pro-BNP was shown to be higher in PD (p < 0.05), with log mean of 2.31 pg/ml and CP (p < 0.05), with log mean of 2.67 pg/ml, when compared to control group, log mean of 1.32 pg/ml. No difference was reported between PD and CP (p = 0.149). The NT pro-BNP log showed to be correlated to peak velocity of the E wave (r = 0.845; p = 0.001) and with E/A (r = 0.717; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: NT pro-BNP is shown to have increased in pericardial diseases, and is associated to diastolic dysfunction. It may serve as an additional method in quantifying restriction.

Mice with targeted disruption of the Dio2 gene have cold-induced overexpression of the uncoupling protein 1 gene but fail to increase brown adipose tissue lipogenesis and adaptive thermogenesis.

The Dio2 gene encodes the type 2 deiodinase (D2) that activates thyroxine (T4) to 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), the disruption of which (Dio2(-/-)) results in brown adipose tissue (BAT)-specific hypothyroidism in an otherwise euthyroid animal. In the present studies, cold exposure increased Dio2(-/-) BAT sympathetic stimulation approximately 10-fold (normal approximately 4-fold); as a result, lipolysis, as well as the mRNA levels of uncoupling protein 1, guanosine monophosphate reductase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1, increased well above the levels detected in the cold-exposed wild-type animals. The sustained Dio2(-/-) BAT adrenergic hyperresponse suppressed the three- to fourfold stimulation of BAT lipogenesis normally seen after 24-48 h in the cold. Pharmacological suppression of lipogenesis with betabeta'-methyl-substituted alpha-omega-dicarboxylic acids of C14-C18 in wild-type animals also impaired adaptive thermogenesis in the BAT. These data constitute the first evidence that reduced adrenergic responsiveness does not limit cold-induced adaptive thermogenesis. Instead, the resulting compensatory hyperadrenergic stimulation prevents the otherwise normal stimulation in BAT lipogenesis during cold exposure, rapidly exhausting the availability of fatty acids. The latter is the preponderant determinant of the impaired adaptive thermogenesis and hypothermia in cold-exposed Dio2(-/-) mice.

Effect of bosentan treatment on surrogate markers in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the oral dual ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist bosentan on different surrogate markers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, open label, uncontrolled study in a University Hospital in Brazil. POPULATION: Fifteen PAH patients (11 females) with mean age of 40 +/- 11 years (5 in WHO functional class II, 10 in class III). METHODS: All patients were investigated at baseline and after 16 weeks of bosentan treatment. We used the following surrogate markers for patients' evaluation: 6-min walk test, quality of life questionnaire (Short Form SF-36) and N-terminal proBNP (B type natriuretic peptide) fraction levels in blood. RESULTS: Between the evaluation at baseline and week 16, the 6-min walk test distance changed from 396 +/- 135 to 434 +/- 137 m (p < 0.05). Each of the eight domains of the SF-36 was significantly improved. Mean NT-proBNP levels were decreased from a mean of 1670 pg/mL to 1010 pg/mL (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that bosentan treatment results in the improvement of different kinds of surrogate markers independently of their specificity to reflect functional capacity, quality of life and myocardial stress. It is concluded that the combined use of these different markers may be an alternative endpoint for future short duration clinical trials.

COVID-19 nas instituições de longa permanência para idosos: estratégias de rastreamento laboratorial e prevenção da propagação da doença / COVID-19 in long-term care facilities for the elderly: laboratory screening and disease dissemination prevention strategies

Resumo A pandemia da "novel coronavirus disease" 2019 (COVID-19), infecção causada pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2), tem descortinado uma realidade até então oculta: a vulnerabilidade da população residente em instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI). Diversas publicações científicas têm revelado a concentração de até 60% dos óbitos atribuídos à COVID-19 em tais instituições. A maioria dos residentes em ILPI reúnem os principais fatores de risco para morbimortalidade pela COVID-19, o que torna imprescindível a definição de ações voltadas à prevenção da transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2 neste ambiente, além das medidas usuais de distanciamento social e isolamento dos portadores da doença. Propõem-se, no presente artigo, estratégias de rastreamento da infecção em residentes e trabalhadores de ILPI por meio de testes laboratoriais disponíveis no Brasil. A identificação precoce de indivíduos portadores do SARS-CoV-2 com possibilidades de transmissão ativa e continuada do vírus permite a adoção de medidas que interrompam o ciclo de transmissão local da infecção.

Abstract An infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has unveiled a hitherto hidden reality: the vulnerability of the population living in long-term care facilities for the elderly (LTCF). To date, several scientific publications have revealed a concentration of up to 60% of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in such institutions. Most LTFC residents share the primary risk factors currently associated with increased morbimortality due to the COVID-19 infection. It is crucial to define actions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread in this environment, besides the usual measures of social distancing and isolation of the carriers of this disease. This paper proposes strategies for the investigation of this infection in LTCF residents and workers using laboratory tests available in Brazil. The early identification of individuals with SARS-CoV-2, who may actively and continuously spread the virus, allows adopting measures aimed at interrupting the local transmission cycle of this infection.

Coinfection by Vaccinia virus and an Orf virus-like parapoxvirus in an outbreak of vesicular disease in dairy cows in midwestern Brazil.

The current report describes an outbreak of vesicular disease affecting dairy cows in midwestern Brazil in which a coinfection with 2 poxviruses-Vaccinia virus (VACV) and a parapoxvirus-was demonstrated. Milking cows presented vesicles, painful reddish or whitish papules, and scabby proliferative lesions in the teats and udder, in a clinical course of approximately 10-21 days. Histologically, multifocal areas of moderate to severe acanthosis, spongiosis, hypergranulosis, and parakeratotic or orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with adjacent focally extensive ulcers were observed in the epidermis. Rounded eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of areas with acanthosis or necrosis. Moderate inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and macrophages were observed in some dermal areas. Two people milking the affected cows developed lesions on the hands, painful papules which progressed to ulcerative and scabby lesions in 4-7 days. Electron microscopy of scabs from 1 cow revealed the concomitant presence of orthopoxvirus and parapoxvirus particles. Scabs from 2 cows were positive by polymerase chain reaction for the parapoxvirus B2L gene; 1 of the scabs was also positive for the VACV vgf gene. Nucleotide sequencing of the B2L amplicon revealed a similarity of 96-99% with Orf virus (ORFV) and lower identity with Pseudocowpox virus (92-95%) and Bovine papular stomatitis virus (85-86%). Nucleotide sequencing of a region of parapoxvirus DNA polymerase gene revealed a high similarity (98-100%) with ORFV sequences. Thus, an unusual coinfection with VACV and a parapoxvirus, likely ORFV, was demonstrated in the outbreak.

Caracterização etiológica, epidemiológica e clínico-patológica da meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino em bovinos no Estado de Goiás / Etiological, epidemiological, clinical and pathological characterization of meningoencephalitis in cattle by bovine herpesvirus in the State of Goiás, Brazil

Foram estudados 26 casos de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino (BoHV) diagnosticados entre 2010-2016, no Estado de Goiás (GO). A doença acometeu principalmente bovinos jovens, entre 60 dias a 18 meses de idade. Não houve associação entre os casos e o sexo dos bovinos e a sazonalidade. A doença foi observada em todas as cinco Mesorregiões do Estado, com uma frequência maior nas Mesorregiões Sul e Centro. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, sialorreia e ataxia. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas incluíram congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico e focos de hemorragia. Em cinco encéfalos, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas e em quatro as alterações não foram informadas. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex telencefálico, principalmente o córtex frontal e parietal, mas em alguns casos, lesões de menor intensidade foram também observadas no tálamo, núcleos basais, mesencéfalo, ponte, bulbo, cerebelo e hipocampo. Todos os casos apresentaram meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica e corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares basofílicos em astrócitos e, eventualmente, em neurônios. Outras lesões frequentes incluíram necrose neuronal laminar segmentar (neurônio vermelho), espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, gliose focal ou difusa, hipertrofia de astrócitos, infiltração por células gitter, congestão e hemorragia. Lesões menos comuns incluíram astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II, lesão residual e neuronofagia. A necrose neuronal e o edema (espongiose) foram mais acentuados nas camadas granular externa, molecular, de células piramidais e granular interna dos telencéfalos. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente. Dos 26 casos, o DNA de BoHV-5 foi amplificado em dois (7,69%) casos, enquanto que o de BoHV-1 foi identificado em um caso (3,84%). Nos casos positivos para BoHV-5 foram usadas amostras fixadas em formol a 10% e incluídas em parafina e amostras congeladas foram utilizadas no caso positivo para BoHV-1.(AU)

Twenty six cases of bovine herpetic meningoencephalitis diagnosed from 2010-2016 in Goiás state, Brazil, were studied. Affected cattle were mainly 60-day to 18-month-old. There was no association of the disease with sex and seasonality. The disease was found in all five mesoregions with a higher prevalence in southern and central state of Goiás. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, excessive salivation, and ataxia. Main gross findings in the brain were congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex and hemorrhagic foci. In five cases no gross changes were observed in the brain and in four cases there is no information. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of telencephalic lobes, especially the frontal and parietal; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the thalamus, basal nuclei, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, and hippocampus. All cases presented lymphoplasmocytic meningoencephalitis and intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies in astrocytes, less commonly in neurons. Other frequent lesions included segmental laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen vascular endothelial nuclei, gliosis (focal and diffuse), hypertrophy of astrocytes, infiltration of gitter cells, congestion, and hemorrhage. Lesions less frequently observed were Alzheimer type II astrocytes, residual lesion and neuronophagia. The most frequently affected cortical layers by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular, molecular, and pyramidal cell layers. Gyri and sulci were equally affected. Of the 26 cases, in 2 (7.69%) the DNA of BoHV-5 was amplified with samples fixed in 10% formalin and paraffin-embedded. DNA of BoHV-1 was identified in another case (3.84%) where, positive to BoHV-1, fresh samples were used.(AU)

Neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil (2010-2017) / Doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás (2010-2017)

A retrospective study was conducted on neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil, from March 2010 to August 2017. Samples of three veterinary diagnostic laboratories were analyzed. Diagnosis was established in 170 out of 407 cattle with neurological signs. Epidemiological, clinical, and anatomic pathology features of each case were researched in the files. Main disorders included diseases caused by viruses (rabies 29.41%, meningoencephalitis by bovine herpesvirus 15.88%, and malignant catarrhal fever 1.76%), by bacteria (botulism 5.88%, suppurative meningitis 3.53%, encephalic abscesses 2.94%, listeriosis 1.76%, and thrombotic meningoencephalitis 1.76%), of metabolic origin (polioencephalomalacia 17.06%), of indefinite cause (lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis 11.18%, traumatic hemorrhages 3.53%, and multifocal malacia with gliosis 1.18%), congenital (hydrocephaly 1.18% and multiple malformations 0.59%), toxic (urea poisoning 1.18% and insecticide poisoning 0.59%), and parasitic (meningoencephalitis associated with infection by Trypanosoma sp. 0.59%).(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás durante o período de março de 2010 a agosto de 2017, analisando amostras de três laboratórios de diagnóstico veterinário. De 407 bovinos que apresentaram sinais clínicos neurológicos, o diagnóstico foi estabelecido em 170 casos. Desses casos, foram pesquisadas nas fichas as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e anatomopatológicas. As principais doenças diagnosticadas foram causadas por vírus (raiva 29,41%, meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino 15,88% e febre catarral maligna 1,76%), de origem metabólica (polioencefalomalacia 17,06%), por bactérias (botulismo 5,88%, meningite supurativa 3,53%, abscessos encefálicos 2,94%, listeriose 1,76% e meningoencefalite trombótica 1,76%), sem causa definida (meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica 11,18%, hemorragias traumáticas 3,53% e malacia multifocal com gliose 1,18%), congênitas (hidrocefalia 1,18% e malformações múltiplas 0,59%), tóxicas (intoxicação por ureia 1,18% e intoxicação por inseticida 0,59%), e parasitária (meningoencefalite associada à infecção por Trypanosoma sp. 0,59%).(AU)

Bovine papular stomatitis affecting dairy cows and milkers in midwestern Brazil.

Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) is a parapoxvirus associated with papular and erosive lesions on the muzzle, lips, and oral mucosa of cattle. Teats of milking cows are occasionally affected, and the infection is frequently transmitted to human beings. The present report describes an outbreak of BPSV infection affecting cows in midwestern Brazil, with human involvement. The disease was observed in neighboring small hand-milking farms, affecting 20 milking cows. The signs included painful reddish papules, ulcers, and scabby proliferative lesions on the teats, with a clinical course of 7-12 days. Affected cows presented severe local pain, not allowing the completion of milking. Histologically, acanthosis, spongiosis, and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis with adjacent focally extensive ulcers and multifocal inflammatory infiltrate were observed in the epidermis. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were noted in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Personnel milking the affected cows developed lesions on the hands, painful papules that progressed to ulcerative and scabby lesions in 4-7 days. A polymerase chain reaction using a set of pan-parapoxvirus primers for the B2L gene performed on DNA extracted from scabs amplified a 590-bp product, which when sequenced, revealed similarities of 99%, 85%, and 84% with BPSV, Pseudocowpox virus, and Orf virus, respectively. A phylogenetic tree based on the B2L sequence was constructed, showing that the virus clustered with BPSV isolates. Although clinical cases compatible with BSPV infection have been frequently described in Brazil, the present report identifies the agent associated with cattle and human disease in the country.

Mammary fibroadenomatoid hyperplasia in a heifer / Hiperplasia fibroadenomatoide mamária em uma novilha

ABSTRACT: This manuscript described the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical findings in a rare case of mammary fibroadenomatoid hyperplasia in a 12-month-old Holstein heifer. A yellow, multilobulated, firm 20cm x 9cm x 6.5cm mass affecting the right quarters of the udder was observed. Total mastectomy was performed. Microscopic evaluation revealed severe hyperplasia of the mammary epithelium and numerous well-differentiated and mildly pleomorphic acini. Additionally, moderate proliferation of the fibrous connective tissue and the myoepithelial cells near the proliferating acini was evident. About 50% of the proliferating epithelial cells showed positive nuclear labeling for estrogen and progesterone receptors, and approximately one-third were positive for Ki-67. In addition, the myoepithelial cells exhibited diffuse nuclear immunoreactivity for p63. Based on the clinical, morphologic, and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of mammary fibroadenomatoid hyperplasia with probable influence of ovarian steroids was made.

RESUMO: Este artigo descreve os achados anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um caso raro de hiperplasia fibroadenomatoide mamária em uma novilha Holandesa de 12 meses. Observou-se uma massa amarelada, firme, multilobulada, medindo 20 x 9 x 6,5cm e afetando os quartos direitos do úbere. Mastectomia total foi realizada. Microscopicamente, notou-se hiperplasia acentuada do epitélio mamário e numerosos ácinos levemente pleomórficos e bem diferenciados. Proliferação moderada do tecido conjuntivo fibroso e das células mioepiteliais próximos aos ácinos proliferados era também evidente. Aproximadamente 50% das células epiteliais proliferadas mostraram marcação nuclear positiva para receptores de estrógeno e progesterona e cerca de um terço dessas células era positivo para Ki-67. Além disso, as células mioepiteliais exibiram reação nuclear e difusa para p63. Com base nos achados clínicos, morfológicos e imuno-histoquímicos, firmou-se o diagnóstico de hiperplasia fibroadenomatoide mamária com provável influência de esteroides ovarianos.

Análise comparativa da morfometria do casco de bovinos das raças Nelore, Curraleira e Pantaneira e de bubalinos e sua relação com a etiopatogenia das enfermidades digitais / Morfometric comparative analysis of the hoof of Nelore, Pantaneira and Curraleira breeds of cattle and buffaloes and their relationship with the pathogenesis of digital diseases

O estudo morfométrico dos dígitos de bovinos e bubalinos pode colaborar para o entendimento da etiopatogenia das enfermidades podais. Este estudo objetivou descrever as características morfométricas dos dígitos de bovinos das raças Curraleira (Bos taurus), Pantaneira (Bos taurus), Nelore (Bos indicus) e de bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Murrah e estabelecer possível relação entre tais medidas e a ocorrência de enfermidades digitais. Na pesquisa foram utilizados dez animais, saudáveis, de cada raça e espécie. Foram avaliados dois membros de cada animal, sendo um torácico e outro pélvico, totalizando 80 extremidades distais. As medidas morfométricas foram obtidas com auxílio de um paquímetro mecânico graduado e os ângulos das pinças conferidos por meio de transferidor metálico. Os principais parâmetros digitais avaliados foram o ângulo dorsal do casco (A), comprimento da parede dorsal (B), altura do talão (C), altura da pinça (D), comprimento do casco (E), comprimento diagonal do casco (F), largura do dígito lateral (G), largura do dígito medial (H), comprimento do dígito lateral (I) e comprimento do dígito medial (J). Para a comparação de médias dos resultados obtidos entre as raças foi utilizado o teste de Tukey (p<0,05). A análise multivariada para as representações gráficas das variáveis canônicas foi empregada para expressar a similaridade das medidas estudadas entre os grupos, no qual se utilizou o software R. Os resultados revelaram que os bubalinos apresentam as maiores medidas morfométricas para as variáveis B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I e J e apenas na variável A apresentaram medidas inferiores entre as diferentes raças de bovinos estudadas. Existe similaridade entre as três raças de bovinos estudadas em relação às variáveis, altura da pinça (D), largura do dígito lateral (G) e largura do dígito medial (H) as quais se distanciam dos valores encontrados para essas variáveis nos bubalinos, Concluiu que a morfometria digital pode influenciar na ocorrência de enfermidades digitais, mas não age como fator isolado, necessitando da interação com outros fatores estruturais, ambientais e de manejo para a manifestação dessas doenças.(AU)

Morfometric studies of bovine and buffalo digits can help to understand the etiopathogeny of digital diseases. This study described morphometric characteristics of digits of Curraleira (Bos taurus), Pantaneira (Bos taurus) Nelore (Bos indicus) breeds of cattle and Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and stablish possible relation among the parameters and digital infirmities. Were used ten animals of each breed and specie. Two limbs were evaluated, a toracic and a pelvic, in a total of 80 distal limbs. Morphometric measurements were obtained using a graduated paquimeter and angles using a metallic protactor. The main parameters evaluated were hoof dorsal angle (A), dorsal wall length (B), heel height (C), toe height (D), hoof length (E), hoof diagonal hoof (F), lateral digit width (H), medial digit width (I) and medial digit length (J). For results averages comparison among breeds were used Tukey test (p<0,05). Multivariate analysys for graphic representations of canonic variables was used to express similarity of measures studied among groups, using R software. Results shows tha bubaline present higher morphometric measures for the variables B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J, only for variable A presented lower measures comparing the bovine breeds studied. There is similarity between the three breeds of cattle studied about toe height (D), lateral digit width (G) and medial digit width (H), which differed of values observed in buffalo. It was concluded that digital morphometry can influence the occurence of digital infirmities, but doesn´t act as an isolated factor, needing interaction of other structural, environmental and management factors for its occurence.(AU)

Assessment of serum enzymatic markers of cardiomyocytes injury in female dogs submitted to ketamine S(+), atropin and xylazine association.

PURPOSE: To assessment of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme fraction MB (CK-MB) serum activity in female dogs anesthetized with ketamine S (+), atropine and xylazine in several associations. METHODS: Twenty three healthy female dogs randomly distributed in four groups named as GI (n=6), GII (n=6), GIII (n=6) and GIV (n=5) were treated respectively with atropine and ketamine S(+) (0.04 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg); ketamine S(+) (10 mg/kg); atropine, xylazine and ketamine S(+) (0.04 mg/kg; 1.1 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg) and xylazine and ketamine S(+) (1.1 mg/kg; 10 mg/kg). AST, CK and CK-MB serum activity measurement before pre-medication (M0) and one, two, three, six, 12, 24, 36 hours after. RESULTS: There was no significant change in AST, CK e CK-MB serum activity among groups. However, CK serum activity in relation to moments within the groups was increased in all groups over the time in spite of treatment, except GI. In relation to CK-MB activity, in the moments within the group, it was observed an increase compared to baseline in all groups. CONCLUSION: Creatine kinase and creatine kinase fraction MB isoenzyme showed changes in their mean values remained higher than baseline for a longer time in GIII and GIV.