Three-dimensional lung parenchyma model for studies of Aspergillus fumigatus infection and antifungal treatment.

Aim: This work aims to standardize the three-dimensional hydroxyethyl-alginate-gelatin (HAG) scaffold as a model to evaluate Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm and antifungal treatments. Methods: The scaffold was characterized by physical, rheological and microscopic analyses; the antibiofilm action was evaluated by determination of cfu and metabolic activity. Results: The scaffold was non-toxic showing stability in aqueous media, swelling capacity, elasticity and had homogeneously distributed pores averaging 190 µm. The A. fumigatus biofilm established itself very well on the scaffold and treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole reduced viable cells and metabolic activity. Conclusion: The HAG scaffold proved to be a model to mimic lung parenchyma, suitable for establishing a 3D biofilm culture of A. fumigatus and evaluating the efficacy of antifungals.

[Box: see text].

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in the broiler production chain / [Ocorrência de Salmonella spp. na cadeia de produção de carne de frango]

ABSTRACT Brazilian chicken meat is exported to more than 150 countries and consumed by consumer markets that demand high quality and food safety, thus, requiring very strict control of pathogens present in food to guarantee these rigorous safety standards. This study evaluates the reports from the Salmonella spp. Control and Monitoring Program of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of seven slaughterhouses inspected by the Federal Inspection Service from the western region of Paraná state, Brazil, from March 2017 to February 2019. The broiler litter swab and carcass analyses revealed a Salmonella spp. positivity ratio of 5.9% (19/319) and 23.5% (75/319), respectively. The concomitant presence of Salmonella spp. in the broiler litter swab and chicken carcasses occurred in 58% of the positive samples. The most frequently isolated serovar in the carcasses was Salmonella Heidelberg (85.3%) followed by Salmonella spp. (10.6%). During slaughter, carcass positivity to Salmonella spp. was significantly different (p=0.047) between the first (19.6%) and the second (29.4%) shifts. The results alert for the possibility of carcass contamination during slaughtering and, therefore, more stringent hygiene measures between shifts must be implemented to mitigate carcass contamination.

RESUMO A carne de frango brasileira é consumida em mais de 150 países, em mercados exigentes com a qualidade e a produção de alimentos seguros, o que justifica o controle de patógenos nesse alimento, a fim de assegurar tais requisitos. O presente estudo analisou dados constantes dos relatórios do Programa de Controle e Monitoramento da Salmonella spp. do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento do Brasil (MAPA), realizado em sete unidades avícolas e frigoríficas da região oeste do estado do Paraná, com Serviço de Inspeção Federal, no período entre março 2017 e fevereiro de 2019. A análise dos dados revelou a presença de Salmonella spp. no suabe de cama de frango em 5,9% dos lotes analisados e em 23,5% das carcaças oriundas desses lotes. A presença concomitante de Salmonella spp. no suabe de cama e nas carcaças de frango do lote ocorreu em 58% das amostras positivas. O sorovar mais frequentemente isolado nas carcaças foi Salmonella Heidelberg (85,3%), seguido de Salmonella spp. (10,6%). Durante o abate, observou-se diferença significativa (P=0,047) na positividade das carcaças para Salmonella spp. entre o primeiro (19,6%) e o segundo turno (29,4%). Os resultados indicam a possibilidade de contaminação das carcaças durante o abate, portanto a adoção de medidas mais rigorosas de higienização entre os turnos deve ser implementada a fim de mitigar a contaminação das carcaças.

T-type Ca2+ channels and their relationship with pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the human breast.

The expression of T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (Cav3) has been previously observed in breast cancer, but their expression and subcellular localization were not evaluated in pre-neoplastic lesions. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate protein expression and subcellular localization of T-type channel isoforms in human breast tissue samples. Protein expressions of CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in breast without alteration, in proliferative non-neoplastic lesions, and in neoplastic ductal epithelial lesions of the human breast. CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 nuclear expressions were decreased in advanced stages of neoplastic transformation, whereas CaV3.1 and CaV3.2 cytoplasmic expression increased. Also, the decrease in nuclear expression was correlated with an increase in cytoplasmic expression for CaV3.1 isoform. The change in CaV3 protein expression and subcellular localization are consistent with the neoplastic transformation stages of mammary epithelial cells, evident in early neoplastic lesions, such as ductal carcinomas in situ. These results suggest a possible involvement of CaV3 in the carcinogenic processes and could be considered as a potential pharmacological target in new therapies for breast cancer treatment.

T-type Ca2+ channels and their relationship with pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the human breast

The expression of T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (Cav3) has been previously observed in breast cancer, but their expression and subcellular localization were not evaluated in pre-neoplastic lesions. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate protein expression and subcellular localization of T-type channel isoforms in human breast tissue samples. Protein expressions of CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in breast without alteration, in proliferative non-neoplastic lesions, and in neoplastic ductal epithelial lesions of the human breast. CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3 nuclear expressions were decreased in advanced stages of neoplastic transformation, whereas CaV3.1 and CaV3.2 cytoplasmic expression increased. Also, the decrease in nuclear expression was correlated with an increase in cytoplasmic expression for CaV3.1 isoform. The change in CaV3 protein expression and subcellular localization are consistent with the neoplastic transformation stages of mammary epithelial cells, evident in early neoplastic lesions, such as ductal carcinomas in situ. These results suggest a possible involvement of CaV3 in the carcinogenic processes and could be considered as a potential pharmacological target in new therapies for breast cancer treatment.

Desenvolvimento de plataforma informatizada para o gerenciamento da inspeção e análise laboratorial de produtos de origem animal fornecidos ao exército brasileiro / Development of a computerized platform for inspection management and laboratory analysis of animal products supplied to the Brazilian army

O trabalho propôs o desenvolvimento de plataforma informatizada para apoio ao gerenciamento da inspeção e análise laboratorial de produtos de origem animal fornecidos à tropa do Exército Brasileiro. A pesquisa aplicada corresponde à modalidade de produção tecnológica, em três fases. A fase I foi realizada por meio do levantamento dos arquivos de Laudos Fiscais dos artigos de origem animal, impressos e emitidos pelo LIAB (Laboratório de Inspeção de Alimentos e Bromatologia) do 12º Batalhão de Suprimento, durante o período de janeiro a novembro de 2021, e dos arquivos referentes aos Boletins Técnicos do Exército Brasileiro (BT30.404- EB). A fase II correspondeu ao projeto e desenvolvimento da "Plataforma Alimentar - Rastreabilidade e Confiabilidade Garantida". Toda a programação desenvolvida foi armazenada em um servidor web terceirizado e pode ser acessada pelos LIABs pelo link: www.pmppa.com.br/alimentar. A plataforma informatizada utilizou a linguagem PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) associada às linguagens CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), JS (Java script) e bootstrap. A fase III consistiu na realização do teste de Caixa Preta. Os módulos disponíveis para inclusão das informações no sistema são: "cadastro dos artigos de origem animal"; "lançamento das análises"; "cadastro de Boletim Técnico" e "relatórios", os quais permitem atribuir ao artigo de origem animal a qualidade satisfatória ou insatisfatória para o consumo seguro da tropa, de acordo com a avaliação laboratorial das amostras. Houve, com eficácia, o desenvolvimento da plataforma, garantindo ao oficial médico veterinário uma ferramenta segura para apoio ao gerenciamento de qualidade dos produtos destinados à alimentação da tropa do Exército Brasileiro.

The study proposed the development of a computerized platform to support the inspection management and laboratory analysis of animal products supplied to the Brazilian Army troops. The applied research corresponds to the modality of technological production in three phases. Phase I consisted in survey from Fiscal Report Files of animal products, which was printed and issued by the FIBL (Food Inspection and Bromatology Laboratory) from the 12th Supply Battalion, from January to November 2021, and the Brazilian Army's Technical Bulletins (BT30.404-EB) Files. Phase II corresponded to design and development of the "Food Platform - Guaranteed Traceability and Reliability". All the developed programming stored at an outsourced web server by accessing the FIBLS through the link: www.pmppa.com.br/alimentar. The supportive computerized platform used the PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) language associated with the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), JS (Java script) and bootstrap. Phase III consisted in performing a Black Box testing. The available modules for information inclusion in the system are the following issues: "Animal products registration"; "Analyses release"; "Technical Bulletin registration" and "Reports", which allow attributing the satisfactory or unsatisfactory quality to the animal products providing safe consumption for the troops, according to the evaluation of laboratory samples. The platform was effectively developed, guaranteeing the veterinary officer a safe tool to support the quality management of products intended for feeding the Brazilian Army troops.

Growth kinetics of Myceliophthora thermophila M.7·7 in solid-state cultivation.

AIMS: This work aimed to estimate the growth of Myceliophthora thermophila M.7·7 in solid-state cultivation (SSC) through quantification of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) and enzyme activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: The fungus was cultivated in sugarcane bagasse and wheat bran. A consistent statistical analysis was done to assess the reliability of experimental data. Logistic model equation was fitted to experimental data and growth parameters were estimated. The results showed strong influence of the sample size on NAG and a minimum recommended sample size was identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the strategy of substrate colonization. Wheat bran was attacked firstly, while sugarcane bagasse was consumed after wheat bran depletion. The biomass growth was poorly estimated by secretion kinetics of α-amylase, endoglucanase, protease and xylanase, but enzyme kinetics were important for understanding substrate colonization. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the NAG concentration was strongly affected by the sample size and sampling procedure. The strategy of fungal colonization on the substrates was well characterized through SEM analysis. The colonization strategy has direct influence on the kinetic parameters of the logistic model. Myceliophthora thermophila has a well-defined dynamic of enzyme secretion to degrade the substrate, although the kinetics of enzyme secretion has shown not adequate to characterize the kinetics of fungal growth. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The paper provides reliable growth kinetic parameters in the SSC of the cellulase producer fungus M. thermophila M.7·7, as well as a robust analysis on three indirect methods (NAG, enzymes and SEM) for estimation of fungal development.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 3D versus 2D transesophageal echocardiography for the evaluation of patients with primary mitral regurgitation with indication of surgical treatment

OBJECTIVES: To perform the cost-effectiveness analysis of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) in comparison to two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) for the anatomic-functional evaluation and surgical planning of severe primary mitral regurgitation. METHODS: a complete economic study was based on a systematic review of 3DTEE and 2DTEE accuracy and private health system costs of two different surgical interventions: mitral valve plasty and mitral valve replacement. The prevalence of common postoperative complications was also predicted for elective procedures: atrial fibrillation (8.6%); acute myocardial infarction (1.4%); thrombosis (3.5%); bleeding (1.5%); endocarditis (6.3%). The decision tree method was adopted as a data analysis model. The Bayes" theorem was used based on sensitivity and specificity measurements. The costs, considering literature and professional tables, were: 3DTEE = US$ 349; 2DTEE = US$ 204; diagnostic evaluation = US$ 597; surgical procedure = US$ 3,643; surgical treatment = US$ 374. RESULTS: The deterministic analysis of the diagnostic test shows that 3DTEE (non-dominated) is superior to 2DTEE (absolutely dominated). The 3DTEE presents a cost reduction of US$ 1,147 and incremental effectiveness (true identification) of 22% when compared to 2DTEE. The multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that after 100,000 iterations, the diagnosis based on the 3DTEE becomes the first choice regardless of the willingness to pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: 3DTEE was cost-effective compared to 2DTEE. Thus, 3DTEE is a potential device to promote health compared to 2DTEE for surgical planning of severe primary mitral regurgitation. (AU)

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Lisbon: unfavourable treatment and associated factors, 2000-2014.

SETTING: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has been decreasing in Portugal. Lisbon concentrates the largest number of cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB in the country. This study aims at identifying clinical and demographic factors associated with unfavourable treatment results of patients with MDR-TB in the city.METHOD: The data on 265 MDR-TB cases, notified from 2000 to 2014 in the District of Lisbon, were collected from the Tuberculosis Surveillance System. Unfavourable cases were classified as failure, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and death. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were undertaken to estimate the factors associated with unfavourable outcomes, LTFU and death.RESULTS: The proportion of unfavourable outcomes was 30.5%. These were associated mostly with being male, foreign-born and resistant to kanamycin. Death was associated with being human immunodeficiency virus-positive and resistant to kanamycin. Being foreign-born had a 4.46-fold higher odds of a LTFU outcome than did being Portuguese-born. The foreign-born patients were mostly African immigrants.CONCLUSION: The main finding in this study is that foreign-born patients are associated with a higher probability of unfavourable outcomes than Portuguese-born patients. Therefore, foreign-born patients need more careful monitoring in the control of MDR-TB.

Sertolioma difuso em cão criptorquídico / Diffuse sertolioma in a criptorquidic dog

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de sertolioma associado a criptorquidia em um cão Poodle de 8 anos que apresentava uma massa na região inguinal há aproximadamente 8 meses de evolução e histórico prévio compatível com síndrome de feminilização. Constatou-se considerável aumento de volume no testículo criptorquídico (esquerdo). O animal foi submetido a orquiectomia no testículo criptorquídico e apresentou boa recuperação. O exame histopatológico revelou se tratar de sertolioma difuso, possivelmente com manifestação sistêmica de alopecia simétrica bilateral não pruriginosa associada à ocorrência do tumor. Após a castração, houve progressiva e completa remissão da dermatopatia com posterior cura clínica do paciente.(AU)

The present work aimed to report a case of a Sertoli cell tumor associated with cryptorchidism in a Poodle dog of eight years old, that presented a mass in the inguinal region eight months ago. The previous history and evolution time were compatible with testicular feminization syndrome. It was observed a considerable increase in volume of the affected testis (left). The animal was submitted to an orchiectomy of the cryptorchidic testis and presented a good recovery. The histopathological examination revealed a diffuse sertolioma, and possibly the systemic manifestation of non-pruriginous bilateral symmetric alopecia was related to the presence of the tumor.(AU)

Sertolioma difuso em cão criptorquídico / Diffuse sertolioma in a criptorquidic dog

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de sertolioma associado a criptorquidia em um cão Poodle de 8 anos que apresentava uma massa na região inguinal há aproximadamente 8 meses de evolução e histórico prévio compatível com síndrome de feminilização. Constatou-se considerável aumento de volume no testículo criptorquídico (esquerdo). O animal foi submetido a orquiectomia no testículo criptorquídico e apresentou boa recuperação. O exame histopatológico revelou se tratar de sertolioma difuso, possivelmente com manifestação sistêmica de alopecia simétrica bilateral não pruriginosa associada à ocorrência do tumor. Após a castração, houve progressiva e completa remissão da dermatopatia com posterior cura clínica do paciente.

The present work aimed to report a case of a Sertoli cell tumor associated with cryptorchidism in a Poodle dog of eight years old, that presented a mass in the inguinal region eight months ago. The previous history and evolution time were compatible with testicular feminization syndrome. It was observed a considerable increase in volume of the affected testis (left). The animal was submitted to an orchiectomy of the cryptorchidic testis and presented a good recovery. The histopathological examination revealed a diffuse sertolioma, and possibly the systemic manifestation of non-pruriginous bilateral symmetric alopecia was related to the presence of the tumor.

Disease-related outcomes influence prevalence of falls in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of falls, with potential adverse outcomes. There is a considerable variation across studies regarding the prevalence of falls and its correlation with clinical data, disease-related outcomes and physical performance tests. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of falls and its association with clinical data, disease-related outcomes and physical performance tests. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 113 RA patients were divided into 3 groups - "non-fallers", "sporadic fallers" and "recurrent fallers" - and compared in terms of clinical data, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), lower-limb tender and swollen joint count, disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), Foot Function Index (FFI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-up-and-go Test (TUG) and 5-Time Sit Down-To-Stand Up Test (SST5). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the associations between the studied variables and the occurrence of falls, estimating odds ratios (ORs). We also analyzed the correlation between disease outcome measures (HAQ-DI and CDAI) and physical tests (BBS, TUG, SST5). RESULTS: Falls and fear of falling were reported by 59 (52.21%) and 71 (64.5%) patients, respectively. Significant associations were found between "recurrent fallers" and vertigo (OR=3.42; P=0.03), fear of falling (OR=3.44; P=0.01), low income (OR=2.02; P=0.04), CDAI (OR=1.08; P<0.01), HAQ-DI (OR=3.66; P<0.01), Lower-limb HAQ (OR=3.48; P<0.01), FFI-pain (OR=1.24; P=0.03), FFI-total (OR=1.23; P=0.04), lower-limb tender joint count (OR=1.22; P<0.01), BBS score (OR=1.14; P<0.01), TUG score (OR=1.13; P=0.03) and SST5 score (OR=1.06; P=0.02). On multivariate analysis, CDAI was the only significant predictor of recurrent falls (OR=1.08; P<0.01). Physical performance test scores (BBS, TUG, SST5) were correlated with the CDAI and HAQ-DI. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of falls in RA is high, most influenced by disease-related outcomes and linked to worse performance on physical tests (BBS, TUG and SST5).

SERTOLIOMA DIFUSO EM CÃO CRIPTORQUÍDICO

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de sertolioma associado a criptorquidia em um cão Poodle de 8 anos que apresentava uma massa na região inguinal há aproximadamente 8 meses de evolução e histórico prévio compatível com síndrome de feminilização. Constatou-se considerável aumento de volume no testículo criptorquídico (esquerdo). O animal foi submetido a orquiectomia no testículo criptorquídico e apresentou boa recuperação. O exame histopatológico revelou se tratar de sertolioma difuso, possivelmente com manifestação sistêmica de alopecia simétrica bilateral não pruriginosa associada à ocorrência do tumor. Após a castração, houve progressiva e completa remissão da dermatopatia com posterior cura clínica do paciente.

Is there association between human development index and tuberculosis mortality risk? Evidence from a spatial analysis study in the south of Brazil.

The goal of this study was to analyse the spatial pattern of tuberculosis (TB) mortality using different approaches, namely: mortality rates (MR), spatial relative risks (RR) and Bayesian rates (Global and Local) and their association with human development index (HDI), Global and its three dimensions: education, longevity and income. An ecological study was developed in Curitiba, Brazil based on data from Mortality Information System (2008-2014). Spatial scan statistics were used to compute RR and identify high-risk clusters. Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Associations was used to assess associations. MR ranged between 0 and 25.24/100.000 with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.07 (2.66). Corresponding values for spatial RR were 0-27.46, 1.2 (2.99) and for Bayesian rates (Global and Local) were 0.49-1.66, 0.90 (0.19) and 0-6.59, 0.98 (0.80). High-risk clusters were identified for all variables, except for HDI-income and Global Bayesian rate. Significant negative spatial relations were found between MR and income; between RR and HDI global, longevity and income; and Bayesian rates with all variables. Some areas presented different patterns: low social development/low risk and high risk/high development. These results demonstrate that social development variables should be considered, in mortality due TB.

Effect of orthodontic force associated with cigarette smoke inhalation in healthy and diseased periodontium. A histometric and immunohistochemistry analysis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of orthodontic forces in healthy or diseased periodontium of rats submitted/not submitted to cigarette smoke inhalation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups of conditions: smoking and non-smoking. Each group was divided into the following subgroups: control (C), orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), ligature-induced periodontitis (P) and P+OTM (POTM), with n = 14 each. Periodontitis was induced in the lower first molar by cotton ligature, and a 4 mm closed stainless steel spring was used for orthodontic movement. Animals were exposed to the smoke of 10 cigarettes for 8 minutes, 3 times a day for 60 days before P induction and OTM. Evaluation parameters were macroscopic analysis of dental movement, bone loss and bone density. In addition, the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) immunostaining and RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in the furcation region were assessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups, ie, smoking and non-smoking conditions (P = .338). Bone loss intragroup analysis between the P and POTM groups was not significant in smoking (P = 1) and non-smoking (P = .5) conditions; both were different from OTM and C in each condition. Regarding bone density, POTM and P were significant to C (P < .05). The POTM group was significant to the P and C (P = .001) regarding dental movement. The RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in the non-smoking condition was higher in P and POTM compared to C and OTM and to P and POTM in the smoking condition. RANK immunostaining was significant in the smoking condition for the P and POTM groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that cigarette smoke inhalation had no influence on the evaluated groups, even with the presence of low levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar. The POTM groups did not present greater bone loss compared to P groups, thus periodontal disease is essential for bone loss.

Vaccine effectiveness and use of collar impregnated with insecticide for reducing incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis, in Brazil.

Although a national programme for control of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is being run in Brazil, the disease continues to spread. This programme is essentially based on culling infected dogs from endemic regions. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop other control measures against VL to deter its advance. Here, a subunit vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, an insecticide-impregnated collar and the associations between these measures were evaluated for reducing the incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs. This was through a cohort study conducted in an endemic region of Brazil, considering the incidence and time of total exposure over a period of 1 year. The incidence of VL was estimated by means of serological and molecular diagnostic tests, 180 and 360 days after the application of the control measures. The estimates of the effectiveness (EF) were not significant in any cohort. The EF of the subunit vaccine, the recombinant vaccine and the collar were 26.4%, 32.8% and 57.7% and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for EF were 63.7%, 67.9% and 82.5%, respectively. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, none of the immunogens for VL control was sufficiently effective to protect dogs against infection. On the other hand, use of collars impregnated with insecticide seems to constitute a method with better prognosis, corroborating other studies in this field.

Ocorrência de hematomas e lesões em carcaças bovinas e sua relação com o transporte rodoviário / Occurrence of bruises and injuries in bovine carcasses and its relationship with road transport

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bruises and losses due to injuries in bovine carcasses submitted to road transport. A total of 1599 carcasses were evaluated for the number of bruises and 1440 for injuries losses. The study was conducted in the city of Aquidauana/MS, at a slaughterhouse. The number, location, color and size of the bruises were visually assessed. In addition, data regarding types of trucks in which the animals were transported, distance traveled to the slaughterhouse, sexual class and age of the animals were collected. In order to quantify the injury losses, the injuries removed during toilet of the carcasses were collected and weighed. Animals that traveled longer distances to the slaughterhouse showed more bruises in the carcasses, 97.81% of the carcasses evaluated had one or more bruises. In addition, the regions of the carcasses that obtained the highest average percentage of bruises were the sacral and lumbar, being 31.77 and 31.63%, respectively. Bruises in the posterior area of the carcass may represent greater economic losses because meat cuts of higher market value are located in this area. Females and uncastrated males were the groups with the highest number of carcasses with bruises. The injuries represented an average loss of 0.225 kg per carcass, generating an average economic loss of R$ 2.14, in this context, females showed greater losses due to injuries when compared to uncastrated and castrated males. In conclusion, longer distances increase the risk of bruised carcasses. Transport with inadequate stocking, physical conditions of vehicles and inadequate handling are the main causes of bruising. In addition, factors inherent to the animals may also favor the occurrence of bruises and injuries, such as lower fat cover in females and the more aggressive behavior of uncastrated males when compared to castrated males.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a incidência de hematomas e perdas por lesões em carcaças bovinas de animais submetidos ao transporte rodoviário. Foram avaliadas 1.599 carcaças quanto ao número de hematomas e 1.440 quanto as perdas por lesões. O estudo foi conduzido no município de Aquidauana/MS, em abatedouro frigorífico. Avaliou-se visualmente o número, localização, coloração e tamanho dos hematomas. Além disso, foram coletados dados referentes aos tipos de caminhões em que os animais foram transportados, distância percorrida até o abatedouro frigorífico, classe sexual e idade dos animais. Para quantificar as lesões, realizou-se a coleta e pesagem das lesões retiradas durante a toalete das carcaças. Animais que percorreram maiores distâncias até o frigorífico apresentaram maior número de lesões nas carcaças, sendo que, 97,81% das carcaças avaliadas, apresentaram um ou mais hematomas. Além disso, a região sacral e lombar foram as que obtiveram a maior percentagem média de hematomas, 31,77 e 31,63%, respectivamente. Hematomas na área posterior da carcaça podem representar maiores perdas econômicas pois cortes cárneos de maior valor agregado se localizam nessa área. Fêmeas e machos inteiros foram os grupos com maior número de carcaças com hematomas. As lesões representaram uma perda média de 0,225 kg por carcaça, gerando uma perda econômica média de R$ 2,14, sendo que as fêmeas apresentaram maior perda por lesões quando comparadas a machos inteiros e castrados. Em distâncias mais longas o risco de surgirem animais contundidos aumenta. Transporte com lotação inadequada, condições físicas dos veículos de transporte e manejos inadequados são as principais causas de ocorrência de hematomas. Além destes, fatores inerentes aos animais também podem favorecer a ocorrência de hematomas e lesões como, por exemplo, menor acabamento de gordura na carcaça em fêmeas e o comportamento mais agressivo de machos inteiros quando comparados a machos castrados.(AU)

Ocorrência de hematomas e lesões em carcaças bovinas e sua relação com o transporte rodoviário / Occurrence of bruises and injuries in bovine carcasses and its relationship with road transport

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bruises and losses due to injuries in bovine carcasses submitted to road transport. A total of 1599 carcasses were evaluated for the number of bruises and 1440 for injuries losses. The study was conducted in the city of Aquidauana/MS, at a slaughterhouse. The number, location, color and size of the bruises were visually assessed. In addition, data regarding types of trucks in which the animals were transported, distance traveled to the slaughterhouse, sexual class and age of the animals were collected. In order to quantify the injury losses, the injuries removed during toilet of the carcasses were collected and weighed. Animals that traveled longer distances to the slaughterhouse showed more bruises in the carcasses, 97.81% of the carcasses evaluated had one or more bruises. In addition, the regions of the carcasses that obtained the highest average percentage of bruises were the sacral and lumbar, being 31.77 and 31.63%, respectively. Bruises in the posterior area of the carcass may represent greater economic losses because meat cuts of higher market value are located in this area. Females and uncastrated males were the groups with the highest number of carcasses with bruises. The injuries represented an average loss of 0.225 kg per carcass, generating an average economic loss of R$ 2.14, in this context, females showed greater losses due to injuries when compared to uncastrated and castrated males. In conclusion, longer distances increase the risk of bruised carcasses. Transport with inadequate stocking, physical conditions of vehicles and inadequate handling are the main causes of bruising. In addition, factors inherent to the animals may also favor the occurrence of bruises and injuries, such as lower fat cover in females and the more aggressive behavior of uncastrated males when compared to castrated males.

Objetivou-se avaliar a incidência de hematomas e perdas por lesões em carcaças bovinas de animais submetidos ao transporte rodoviário. Foram avaliadas 1.599 carcaças quanto ao número de hematomas e 1.440 quanto as perdas por lesões. O estudo foi conduzido no município de Aquidauana/MS, em abatedouro frigorífico. Avaliou-se visualmente o número, localização, coloração e tamanho dos hematomas. Além disso, foram coletados dados referentes aos tipos de caminhões em que os animais foram transportados, distância percorrida até o abatedouro frigorífico, classe sexual e idade dos animais. Para quantificar as lesões, realizou-se a coleta e pesagem das lesões retiradas durante a toalete das carcaças. Animais que percorreram maiores distâncias até o frigorífico apresentaram maior número de lesões nas carcaças, sendo que, 97,81% das carcaças avaliadas, apresentaram um ou mais hematomas. Além disso, a região sacral e lombar foram as que obtiveram a maior percentagem média de hematomas, 31,77 e 31,63%, respectivamente. Hematomas na área posterior da carcaça podem representar maiores perdas econômicas pois cortes cárneos de maior valor agregado se localizam nessa área. Fêmeas e machos inteiros foram os grupos com maior número de carcaças com hematomas. As lesões representaram uma perda média de 0,225 kg por carcaça, gerando uma perda econômica média de R$ 2,14, sendo que as fêmeas apresentaram maior perda por lesões quando comparadas a machos inteiros e castrados. Em distâncias mais longas o risco de surgirem animais contundidos aumenta. Transporte com lotação inadequada, condições físicas dos veículos de transporte e manejos inadequados são as principais causas de ocorrência de hematomas. Além destes, fatores inerentes aos animais também podem favorecer a ocorrência de hematomas e lesões como, por exemplo, menor acabamento de gordura na carcaça em fêmeas e o comportamento mais agressivo de machos inteiros quando comparados a machos castrados.

Dog skin parasite load, TLR-2, IL-10 and TNF-α expression and infectiousness.

Visceral leishmaniosis is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies. Dogs are the main peri-urban reservoir of the disease, and progression of canine leishmaniosis is dependent on the type of immune response elaborated against the parasite. Type 1 immunity is characterized by effective cellular response, with production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In contrast, Type 2 immunity is predominantly humoral, associated with progression of the disease and mediated by anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 10 (IL-10). Although seemly important in the dynamics of leishmaniosis, other gene products such as toll-like receptor 2 (TRL-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) exert unclear roles in the determination of the type of immune response. Given that the dog skin serves as a micro-environment for the multiplication of Leishmania spp., we investigated the parasite load and the expression of TLR-2, iNOS, IL-10 and TNF-α in the skin of 29 infected and 8 control dogs. We found that increased parasite load leads to upregulation of TLR-2, IL-10 and TNF-α, indicating that abundance of these transcripts is associated with infection. We also performed a xenodiagnosis to demonstrate that increased parasitism is a risk factor for infectiousness to sandflies.

Serological and molecular diagnostic tests for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Brazilian endemic area: one out of five seronegative dogs are infected.

Euthanasia of infected dogs is one of the measures adopted in Brazil to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in endemic areas. To detect infected dogs, animals are screened with the rapid test DPP® Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis for detection of antibodies against K26/K39 fusion antigens of amastigotes (DPP). DPP-positives are confirmed with an immunoenzymatic assay probing soluble antigens of promastigotes (ELISA), while DPP-negatives are considered free of infection. Here, 975 dogs from an endemic region were surveyed by using DPP, ELISA and real-time PCR (qPCR) for the diagnosis of VL. When DPP-negative dogs were tested by qPCR applied in blood and lymph node aspirates, 174/887 (19·6%) were positive in at least one sample. In a second sampling using 115 cases, the DPP-negative dogs were tested by qPCR in blood, lymph node and conjunctival swab samples, and 36/79 (45·6%) were positive in at least one sample. Low-to-moderate pairwise agreement was observed between all possible pair of tests. In conclusion, the official diagnosis of VL in dogs in Brazilian endemic areas failed to accuse an expressive number of infected animals and the impact of the low accuracy of serological tests in the success of euthanasia-based measure for VL control need to be assessed.

Myrciaria dubia, an Amazonian fruit: population structure and its implications for germplasm conservation and genetic improvement.

Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) is an Amazon tree that produces a tart fruit with high vitamin C content. It is probably the fruit with the highest vitamin C content among all Brazilian fruit crops and it can be used to supplement daily vitamin C dose. This property has attracted the attention of consumers and, consequently, encouraged fruit farmers to produce it. In order to identify and select potential accessions for commercial exploitation and breeding programs, M. dubia has received considerable research attention. The identification and characterization of genetic diversity, as well as identification of the population structure of accessions preserved in germplasm banks are fundamental for the success of any breeding program. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability of 10 M. dubia populations obtained from the shores of Reis Lake, located in the municipality of Caracaraí, Roraima, Brazil. Fourteen polymorphic inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to study the population genetic diversity, which resulted in 108 identified alleles. Among the 14 primers, GCV, UBC810, and UBC827 produced the highest number of alleles. The study illustrated the suitability and efficiency of ISSR markers to study the genetic diversity of M. dubia accessions. We also revealed the existence of high genetic variability among both accessions and populations that can be exploited in future breeding programs and conservation activities of this species.