Molecular detection of Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis and Rangelia vitalli in Rhipicephalus sanguineus senso latu collected from dogs in Brazil / [Detecção molecular de Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis e Rangelia vitalli em Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato coletados de cães no Brasil]

ABSTRACT This study evaluated by molecular methods the presence of major canine tick-borne agents in ticks infesting domestic dogs of a hospital population in a neglected area of the southern zone of the São Paulo Metropolitan region, which is characterized by an extensive urban area surrounded and interspersed by forest remnants of the original Atlantic rainforest. During 2017, 106 tick specimens - 71 adults and 33 nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), and two adults of Amblyomma aureolatum - were collected from 41 dogs that were attended in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in São Paulo City, Brazil. By molecular analyses, 4.2% (3/71) of the R. sanguineus s.l. adult ticks contained the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, 2.8% (2/71) contained the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, and 4.2% (3/71) contained the protozoan Rangelia vitalii. These results indicate that domestic dogs of the southern zone of the São Paulo metropolitan region might be exposed to three of the major tick-borne agents affecting dogs in Brazil, R. rickettsii, E. canis and R. vitalii. In addition, the findings reinforce the circulation of the human pathogen R. rickettsii in the study area in a likely enzootic cycle involving dogs and R. sanguineus ticks.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou, por métodos moleculares, a presença dos principais agentes etiológicos de doenças caninas transmitidas por carrapatos que infestam cães domésticos de uma população hospitalar, em uma área negligenciada da zona sul da região metropolitana de São Paulo, caracterizada por uma extensa área urbana circundada e intercalada por remanescentes florestais de Mata Atlântica. Durante o ano de 2017, 106 espécimes de carrapatos - 71 adultos e 33 ninfas de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), e dois adultos de Amblyomma aureolatum - foram coletados de 41 cães atendidos em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Por análises moleculares, 4,2% (3/71) de R. sanguineus s.l. adultos continham a bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, 2,8% (2/71) continham a bactéria Ehrlichia canis e 4,2% (3/71) continham o protozoário Rangelia vitalii. Esses resultados indicam que cães domésticos da zona sul da região metropolitana de São Paulo podem estar expostos a três dos principais agentes carrapatos que afetam cães no Brasil, R. rickettsii, E. canis e R. vitalii. Além disso, os achados reforçam a circulação do patógeno humano R. rickettsii na área de estudo, em um provável ciclo enzoótico envolvendo cães e carrapatos R. sanguineus.

Migration and season explain tick prevalence in Brazilian birds.

Neotropical birds are mostly parasitized by immature ticks and act as reservoir hosts of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. Hence, determining the factors that enable ticks to encounter these highly mobile hosts and increase the potential for tick dispersal throughout migratory flyways are important for understanding tick-borne disease transmission. We used 9682 individual birds from 572 species surveyed across Brazil and Bayesian models to disentangle possible avian host traits and climatic drivers of infestation probabilities, accounting for avian host phylogenetic relationships and spatiotemporal factors that may influence tick prevalence. Our models revealed that the probability of an individual bird being infested with tick larvae and nymphs was lower in partial migrant hosts and during the wet season. Notably, infestation probability increased in areas with a higher proportion of partial migrant birds. Other avian ecological traits known to influence tick prevalence (foraging habitat and body mass) and environmental condition that might constrain tick abundance (annual precipitation and minimum temperature) did not explain infestation probability. Our findings suggest that migratory flyways harbouring a greater abundance of migrant bird hosts also harbour a higher prevalence of immature ticks with potential to enhance the local transmission of tick-borne pathogens and spread across regions.

Parasitism of a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) by Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 and Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 in an Amazon forest area, Rondônia, Brazil / [Parasitismo por Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 e Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 em capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) em área de Floresta Amazônica, Rondônia, Brasil]

Dois carrapatos adultos, sendo um Amblyomma nodosum e um Amblyomma humerale foram encontrados parasitando ativamente uma capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) proveniente da região central do estado de Rondônia, Brasil, na zona rural do município de Ji-Paraná, localizado na Amazônia ocidental. Poucos trabalhos científicos relatam a presença de A. humerale em capivaras. Assim, esta é a primeira vez que A. nodosum é relatado parasitando essa espécie animal. Por não se tratar de um hospedeiro animal conhecido para A. nodosum ou comum para A. humerale, esses achados podem sugerir uma nova relação entre hospedeiros para eles. Portanto, são necessários mais estudos acerca da ecologia desses parasitas, principalmente por serem potenciais transmissores de patógenos de importância em medicina veterinária e saúde pública.(AU)

Effects of cryolipolysis with adiposity plates located with the Crioplace concept in women.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis with plates is a method of applying cooling without a vacuum system, which can be used in regions with less chance of forming a "crease." OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cryolipolysis using a plate-shaped applicator (Crioplac) in the treatment of fat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study in which women aged 25 to 45 years with adiposity located in the abdomen participated. Two applications of 75 min were made, using 04 plates in the abdomen regions, with -4 degree C being programmed as a temperature parameter. Anthropometric and ultrasound assessments were performed, and a satisfaction questionnaire on the validated treatment was conducted. The reassessments were performed 30 and 60 days after the first intervention. RESULTS: A reduction in adiposity was observed in the measurements of perimetry, plicometry and abdominal ultrasound (p<0.05). It was found that about 62.5% of the volunteers reported an improvement in water retention, about 62.5% reported the presence of loose clothing, and 31.3% reported satisfaction with the results obtained. It was observed that 18.5% of the volunteers reported that the treatment was excellent. CONCLUSION: The Crioplace method proved to be effective in reducing adiposity, with a high clinical satisfaction with the reduction in body measurements.

Pitavastatin ameliorates autoimmune neuroinflammation by regulating the Treg/Th17 cell balance through inhibition of mevalonate metabolism.

While Treg cells are responsible for self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, pathogenic autoreactive Th17 cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to tissue damage associated with autoimmunity, as observed in multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the immunological balance between Th17 and Treg cells may represent a promising option for immune therapy. Statin drugs are used to treat dyslipidemia; however, besides their effects on preventing cardiovascular diseases, statins also have anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the role of pitavastatin on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells. EAE was induced by immunizing C57BL/6 mice with MOG35-55. EAE severity was determined by analyzing the clinical score and inflammatory parameters in the spinal cord. Naive CD4 T cells were cultured under Treg and Th17-skewing conditions in vitro in the presence of pitavastatin. We found that pitavastatin decreased EAE development, which was accompanied by a reduction of all parameters investigated. Pitavastatin also reduced the expression of IBA1 and pSTAT3 (Y705 and S727) in the spinal cords of EAE mice. Interestingly, the reduction of Th17 cell frequency in the draining lymph nodes of EAE mice treated with pitavastatin was followed by an increase of Treg cells. Indeed, pitavastatin directly affects T cell differentiation in vitro by decreasing Th17 and increasing Treg cell differentiation. Mechanistically, pitavastatin effects are dependent on mevalonate synthesis. Thus, our data show the potential anti-inflammatory effect of pitavastatin on the pathogenesis of the experimental neuroinflammation by modulating the Th17/Treg axis.

Effect of a puberty induction protocol based on injectable long acting progesterone on pregnancy success of beef heifers serviced by TAI.

Induction protocols based on progesterone (P4) are used prior to a synchronization program for timed-AI (TAI) to increase number of pubertal heifers and pregnancy per AI (P/AI). Injectable, long-lasting P4 (iP4) is a novel, practical method to supplement P4 in cattle. Here, we aimed to test the effect of an induction protocol based on a single injection of iP4 on P/AI of heifers. Bos indicus (Nellore) heifers were classified as pubertal (PUB; n = 224) or prepubertal (PRE; n = 414) based on two ovarian ultrasonographyc exams conducted 10 d apart. Heifers with a corpus luteum (CL) in any of the exams were considered PUB. Within each puberty status, heifers were assigned to receive nothing (NoiP4) or an induction protocol (iP4). Induction consisted of a single injection of 150 mg of iP4 on D-31, followed by injections of 1 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) and 150 µg of prostaglandin analogue (PGF) on D-21. On D-9, all heifers received 2 mg of EB + 75 µg of PGF associated to intravaginal P4-device insertion. On D-3, P4-releasing devices were removed and 150 µg of PGF injected. Heifers were inseminated based on estrus on D-1 or were TAI on D0. On D0, all heifers received a dose of GnRH analogue. On D-21, iP4 treatment stimulated a 50% increase in the uterine score (UTS) and a 19% increase in the diameter of the largest follicle of PRE heifers (P < 0.01). On D-9, PRE|iP4 group had a greater proportion (P < 0.01) of CL (63.3%) than PRE|NoiP4 group (11.6%). On D-3, exposure to 6 d P4-releasing device stimulated UTS of PRE|NoiP4 group in a similar fashion than the induction protocol, but it did not have any additional positive effect for PRE|iP4 heifers. P/AI of PRE|iP4 group was similar to that of the PUB groups (44.7 vs 46.9%), but was more than that of PRE|NoiP4 (34.2%). There was an overall 7.7% increment (P = 0.07) on P/AI of iP4 treated heifers (iP4: 46.0% vs. NoiP4: 38.3%). In conclusion, implementation of an induction protocol based on iP4 was efficacious to hasten puberty. Induction stimulated uterine development and follicular growth of prepubertal heifers, ultimately leading to pregnancy success similar to that of pubertal heifers.

Marsupialization for the treatment of nictitating membrane cyst in a dog: case report / Marsupialização para o tratamento de cisto em membrana nictitante de cão: relato de caso

This study aims to describe the first Brazilian report of a nictitating membrane cyst's surgical treatment in a dog. A 6-month-old female French Bulldog presented at HOSVET-UNIME with a reddish mass-like structure in the medial canthus of both eyes, with a history of recurrent third eyelid gland prolapse previously treated with two surgeries performed at another clinic. Physical examination revealed a third eyelid gland prolapse in the right eye and a cyst in the left eye's third eyelid. The animal was submitted to surgical correction of the right eye's third eyelid prolapse using pocket technique and of the left eye's third eyelid using marsupialization technique for the cyst's treatment. 180 days after th1e surgical procedure no recurrence was observed. The marsupialization technique for the treatment of a third eyelid's lacrimal cyst in a dog allowed the maintenance of its gland and prevented the formation of a new cystic cavity.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever o primeiro relato no Brasil de tratamento cirúrgico de um cisto da membrana nictitante em um cão. Um Buldogue Francês, fêmea, seis meses, foi atendido no Hosvet-Unime, com queixa de aumento de volume avermelhado no canto medial de ambos os olhos, com histórico de recidiva de prolapso de glândula da terceira pálpebra, onde haviam sido realizadas duas cirurgias anteriormente em outro local. Ao exame físico, foi observado prolapso de glândula da terceira pálpebra no olho direito e a presença de um cisto na terceira pálpebra do olho esquerdo. O animal foi submetido ao procedimento cirúrgico de sepultamento de glândula da terceira pálpebra no olho direito e uma marsupialização na terceira pálpebra do olho esquerdo para o tratamento do cisto. Cento e oitenta dias após o procedimento cirúrgico, não foi observada recidiva. A técnica de marsupialização para tratamento de cisto lacrimal na terceira pálpebra em um cão possibilitou a manutenção da sua glândula e impediu a formação de nova cavidade cística.(AU)

Marsupialization for the treatment of nictitating membrane cyst in a dog: case report / Marsupialização para o tratamento de cisto em membrana nictitante de cão: relato de caso

This study aims to describe the first Brazilian report of a nictitating membrane cyst's surgical treatment in a dog. A 6-month-old female French Bulldog presented at HOSVET-UNIME with a reddish mass-like structure in the medial canthus of both eyes, with a history of recurrent third eyelid gland prolapse previously treated with two surgeries performed at another clinic. Physical examination revealed a third eyelid gland prolapse in the right eye and a cyst in the left eye's third eyelid. The animal was submitted to surgical correction of the right eye's third eyelid prolapse using pocket technique and of the left eye's third eyelid using marsupialization technique for the cyst's treatment. 180 days after th1e surgical procedure no recurrence was observed. The marsupialization technique for the treatment of a third eyelid's lacrimal cyst in a dog allowed the maintenance of its gland and prevented the formation of a new cystic cavity.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho é descrever o primeiro relato no Brasil de tratamento cirúrgico de um cisto da membrana nictitante em um cão. Um Buldogue Francês, fêmea, seis meses, foi atendido no Hosvet-Unime, com queixa de aumento de volume avermelhado no canto medial de ambos os olhos, com histórico de recidiva de prolapso de glândula da terceira pálpebra, onde haviam sido realizadas duas cirurgias anteriormente em outro local. Ao exame físico, foi observado prolapso de glândula da terceira pálpebra no olho direito e a presença de um cisto na terceira pálpebra do olho esquerdo. O animal foi submetido ao procedimento cirúrgico de sepultamento de glândula da terceira pálpebra no olho direito e uma marsupialização na terceira pálpebra do olho esquerdo para o tratamento do cisto. Cento e oitenta dias após o procedimento cirúrgico, não foi observada recidiva. A técnica de marsupialização para tratamento de cisto lacrimal na terceira pálpebra em um cão possibilitou a manutenção da sua glândula e impediu a formação de nova cavidade cística.(AU)

Molecular identification of Ehrlichia sp. in a beef cattle from Brazilian Cerrado - case report / Identificação molecular de Ehrlichia sp em um bovino do Cerrado brasileiro - relato de caso

Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Molecular identification of Ehrlichia sp. in a beef cattle from Brazilian Cerrado - case report / Identificação molecular de Ehrlichia sp em um bovino do Cerrado brasileiro - relato de caso

Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Supplementation with long-acting progesterone in early diestrus in beef cattle: II. Relationships between follicle growth dynamics and luteolysis.

The aims were to characterize follicular dynamics in response to supplemental progesterone (P4) and to investigate the relationships between follicular growth and onset of luteolysis in P4-treated cows, submitted or not to artificial insemination (AI). Nonsuckled beef cows detected in estrus were assigned to receive AI or to remain non-AI. Three days after ovulation (ie, D3), AI cows were injected with 150 mg of long-acting P4 (AI + injectable P4 formulation [iP4]; n = 22), and the non-AI cows were assigned to receive 150 mg iP4 (n = 19) or saline (control, n = 19). Between D3 and D21, growth dynamics of the dominant follicles (DFs) was monitored by ultrasonography. Plasma P4 concentrations were measured every other day from D9 to D19. Pregnancy status (ie, P: pregnant and NP: nonpregnant) was examined by ultrasound on D28 to D32. Injectable P4 formulation supplementation decreased average maximum diameter of first-wave DF (DF1). Neither day of emergence of DF2 or DF3 nor the proportion of two- or three-wave cycles were altered by supplemental P4. Daily mean diameter of DF2 and DF3 was also similar between control and iP4 groups. Consistently, daily mean diameter of DF1 in iP4-treated cows was smaller for cows that underwent luteolysis by D15 compared to a later onset. Progesterone concentrations between D9 and D19 decreased earliest in the iP4 group, latest in the control group and was intermediate for the NP-AI + iP4 group. In addition, three-wave cycles presented a delayed decrease on plasma P4 concentrations than two-wave cycles. Further analysis revealed that on two-wave cycles, P4 concentrations on D15 were lowest in the iP4 and NP-AI + iP4 animals compared to the control and P-AI + iP4 groups. Conversely, for three-wave cycles, on D15, P-AI + iP4, NP-AI + iP4, and controls had greater P4 concentrations than the iP4 group. In summary, our data indicate that impairment of first follicular growth was associated with P4-induced shortened luteal lifespan (D14-D15) and that three-wave cycles after AI can be more supportive for pregnancy maintenance in P4-treated cows. We speculate that such conditions play a critical role in the embryonic ability to inhibit iP4-induced early luteolysis reported in part I of this series.

Supplementation with long-acting progesterone in early diestrus in beef cattle: I. effect of artificial insemination on onset of luteolysis.

Progesterone (P4) supplementation in early diestrus advances changes in the endometrial transcriptome, stimulating embryonic development. However, it also induces early onset of luteolysis. Occurrence of luteolysis before D16 postmating can be detrimental to fertility. A potential counteracting role of the elongating conceptus on early luteolysis is understood poorly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of artificial insemination (AI; ie, pregnancy) on the temporal dynamics of luteolysis of cows supplemented with P4. Nonsuckled beef cows were inseminated at 12 h after estrus (D0: ovulation) or were not inseminated (no-AI). On D3, the AI cows were assigned to receive a single dose of 150 mg of injectable long-acting P4 via intramuscular injection (AI + iP4; n = 23), and the no-AI cows were assigned to receive iP4 (iP4; n = 21) or saline (control, n = 22). Corpus luteum (CL) development and regression were determined by ultrasonography (US) between D3 and D21. Plasma P4 concentrations were measured on D3 and every other day from D9 to D21. Pregnancy status was determined by US (D28‒D32). iP4 supplementation reduced luteal development (D5-D10) compared to the control group and increased incidence of luteolysis between D14 and D15. On D15, the proportion of cows that underwent luteolysis and plasma P4 concentrations differed between the iP4 group (47.6; 2.10 ± 0.47) and the control group (13.6; 4.40 ± 0.46) and was intermediate in the AI + iP4 group, respectively (26.1%; 3.70 ± 0.45 ng/mL; P < 0.05). The AI effects were due to the pregnant cows (n = 7). Considering nonpregnant cows only, the proportion of early luteolysis in the AI + iP4 group (37.5%) was similar to the iP4 group. Pregnancy was not established in cows having a shortened luteal lifespan. Indeed, interval to luteolysis in the AI + iP4 group (15.50 ± 0.66 d) was similar to the iP4 group (16.38 ± 0.46 d), but less than the control group (17.38 ± 0.40 d; P = 0.05). In conclusion, the effect of AI on extending luteal lifespan occurred exclusively in cows that maintained pregnancy.

Métodos de secagem de leitões recém-nascidos leves ou pesados / Drying methods of light or heavy newborn piglets

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso de secagem com pó secante ou papel toalha em leitões recém-nascidos classificados em leves ou pesados. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com esquema fatorial 2x2, com 4 tratamentos, 16 repetições e 1 animal por unidade experimental, totalizando 64 animais e 4 matrizes. Cada unidade formada por uma fêmea mestiça (Large White x Landrace), com 116 dias de gestação. Foi avaliado o desempenho dos animais, temperatura retal e de superfície após cinco minutos e trinta minutos ao nascimento, peso da leitegada, tempo de ingestão do primeiro colostro e mortalidade. Os resultados demonstraram que não houve efeito significativo (P>0,05) nos métodos de secagem e categoria de peso. Não houve efeito significativo da interação entre o método de secagem e a categoria de peso. Conclui-se que a utilização do pó secante em leitões ao nascimento proporciona redução do tempo para início da primeira ingestão do colostro, com manutenção da temperatura corporal e não altera o peso ao desmame, comparado com o uso do papel toalha.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of drying powder or paper towel for drying newborn piglets classified as light or heavy. A completely randomized design was used, with a 2x2 or heavy. A completely randomized treatments, 16 replicates and 1 animal per experimental unit, totaling 64 piglets and 4 sows. Each unit was formed by a crossbred female (Large White x Landrace) with 116 days of gestation. We evaluated the performance of the animals and rectal and surface temperature 5 and 30 minutes after birth, litter weight, time of first colostrum ingestion, and mortality. The results showed the absence of a significant effect (P>0.05) of drying method or weight category. There was no significant effect of the interaction between drying method and weight category. In conclusion, the use of drying powder in piglets at birth reduces the time to first colostrum intake, with maintenance of body temperature, and does not alter weaning weight when compared to the use of paper towel.(AU)

Métodos de secagem de leitões recém-nascidos leves ou pesados / Drying methods of light or heavy newborn piglets

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso de secagem com pó secante ou papel toalha em leitões recém-nascidos classificados em leves ou pesados. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com esquema fatorial 2x2, com 4 tratamentos, 16 repetições e 1 animal por unidade experimental, totalizando 64 animais e 4 matrizes. Cada unidade formada por uma fêmea mestiça (Large White x Landrace), com 116 dias de gestação. Foi avaliado o desempenho dos animais, temperatura retal e de superfície após cinco minutos e trinta minutos ao nascimento, peso da leitegada, tempo de ingestão do primeiro colostro e mortalidade. Os resultados demonstraram que não houve efeito significativo (P>0,05) nos métodos de secagem e categoria de peso. Não houve efeito significativo da interação entre o método de secagem e a categoria de peso. Conclui-se que a utilização do pó secante em leitões ao nascimento proporciona redução do tempo para início da primeira ingestão do colostro, com manutenção da temperatura corporal e não altera o peso ao desmame, comparado com o uso do papel toalha.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of drying powder or paper towel for drying newborn piglets classified as light or heavy. A completely randomized design was used, with a 2x2 or heavy. A completely randomized treatments, 16 replicates and 1 animal per experimental unit, totaling 64 piglets and 4 sows. Each unit was formed by a crossbred female (Large White x Landrace) with 116 days of gestation. We evaluated the performance of the animals and rectal and surface temperature 5 and 30 minutes after birth, litter weight, time of first colostrum ingestion, and mortality. The results showed the absence of a significant effect (P>0.05) of drying method or weight category. There was no significant effect of the interaction between drying method and weight category. In conclusion, the use of drying powder in piglets at birth reduces the time to first colostrum intake, with maintenance of body temperature, and does not alter weaning weight when compared to the use of paper towel.

Exacerbated conceptus signaling does not favor establishment of pregnancy in beef cattle.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient production of anti-luteolytic signals by the pre-attachment embryo is considered a major cause of pregnancy failure in cattle. We tested the hypothesis that transfer of multiple blastocysts (n = 5/recipient) and progesterone (P4) supplementation amplify anti-luteolytic signaling and reduce embryonic losses in beef cattle. Cows detected in estrus (D0; n = 104) were assigned randomly to receive 150 mg of injectable long-acting P4 (iP4) or vehicle (non-iP4) on D4 and transcervical transfer of none or five, grade 1, not-frozen, in vitro-produced blastocysts, on D7. Luteal development and time of structural luteolysis were monitored by ultrasonography. Plasma P4 concentrations were determined on D4, D5 and D7, and daily between D14 and D20. Conceptus signaling was monitored by transcript abundance of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated on D14, D16, D18 and D20. Early embryonic mortality (EEM) was defined as the absence of ISG15 mRNA upregulation over time and/or luteal regression up to D20. Late embryonic mortality (LEM) was defined as the absence of a conceptus with a heartbeat on pregnancy diagnosis at D30 (PD30) after observing upregulation of ISG15 mRNA and extension of luteal lifespan. Pregnant cows presented conceptuses with heartbeat at PD30. RESULTS: On D5, iP4-treated cows had P4 concentrations 2.07-fold greater than non-iP4 treated (P < 0.001). On D7, P4 concentrations were similar. Pregnant and LEM animals showed a progressive increase in the abundance of ISG15 from D14 to D20. iP4-treated cows detected pregnant at PD30 had 1.53-fold greater abundance of ISG15 mRNA between D14 and D20 than non-iP4 treated cows (P = 0.05). iP4 doubled the frequency of EEM while it did not affect LEM. At PD30, embryonic survival was 37.0% vs. 55.6% for iP4-treated vs. control cows. Majority of pregnant cows (71%) presented only a single viable embryo. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of cows had EEM (31%) and LEM (20%) even after transferring multiple blastocysts. This argues that mortality was due to poor uterine receptivity that could not be reversed by supplemental P4 or overcome by transferring multiple blastocysts. Further, a given uterine environment was not necessarily adequate to all embryos.

Thermoregulatory profile of neurodegeneration-induced dementia of the Alzheimer's type using intracerebroventricular streptozotocin in rats.

AIM: Here, we have extensively investigated the relationship between thermoregulation and neurodegeneration-induced dementia of the Alzheimer's type using intracerebroventricular injections of streptozotocin (icv-STZ). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated with bilateral injections of icv-STZ, and their thermoregulatory profiles (core body temperature, tail-skin temperature, cold and heat defence responses and thermal place preference) were evaluated. Spatial memory, locomotor activity, social interaction, brain ventricular volume, and Aß1-42 and tau protein levels in the brain were analysed to characterize the effects of STZ on the brain and behaviour. RESULTS: In addition to deficits in spatial memory, reduced social interaction and an increased brain ventricular volume, icv-STZ rats presented a pattern of hyperthermia, as demonstrated by an increased core body temperature. Hyperthermia was due to the activation of both autonomic heat conservation and behavioural cold avoidance, as STZ-treated rats presented tail-cutaneous vasoconstriction and an altered thermal preference. They also showed a distinct cold defence response when exposed to cold. CONCLUSION: Our data bring evidence that icv-STZ in rats causes hyperthermia, with activation of both autonomic and behavioural thermoregulatory defence responses when challenged at colder temperatures, leading us to hypothesize that they are more efficient in preventing hypothermia. These data are relevant for a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

PCR-RFLP assay as an option for primary HPV test.

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an essential factor of cervical cancer. This study evaluated the analytical performance of restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) assay compared to PapilloCheck® microarray to identify human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cells. Three hundred and twenty-five women were analyzed. One sample was used for conventional cytology and another sample was collected using BD SurePath™ kit for HPV tests. Eighty samples (24.6%) were positive for HPV gene by PCR-Multiplex and were then submitted to PCR-RFLP and PapilloCheck® microarray. There was a genotyping agreement in 71.25% (57/80) on at least one HPV type between PCR-RFLP and PapilloCheck® microarray. In 22 samples (27.5%), the results were discordant and those samples were additionally analyzed by DNA sequencing. HPV 16 was the most prevalent HPV type found in both methods, followed by HPVs 53, 68, 18, 39, and 66 using PCR-RFLP analysis, and HPVs 39, 53, 68, 56, 31, and 66 using PapilloCheck® microarray. In the present study, a perfect agreement using Cohen's kappa (κ) was found in HPV 33 and 58 (κ=1), very good for HPV 51, and good for types 16, 18, 53, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 73. PCR-RFLP analysis identified only 25% (20/80) HPV coinfection, and PapilloCheck® microarray found 62.5% (50/80). Our Cohen's kappa results indicate that our in-house HPV genotyping testing (PCR-RFLP analysis) could be applied as a primary HPV test screening, especially in low income countries. If multiple HPV types are found in this primary test, a more descriptive test, such as PapilloCheck® microarray, could be performed.

Primeiro registro de machos de Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidae) em jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) no estado do Amazonas, Amazônia brasileira: relato de caso / First record of males of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: ixodidae) on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) in the Amazonas state, Brazilian Amazon: case report

O carrapato Amblyomma rotundatum é uma espécie partenogenética, encontrada principalmente em anfíbios e répteis silvestres em todos os biomas brasileiros. No presente relato, registra-se a ocorrência de dois machos dessa espécie de ixodídeo encontrados em um jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) proveniente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.(AU)

The Amblyomma rotundatum tick is a parthenogenetic species, found mainly in wild amphibians and reptiles in all Brazilian biomes. The present report records the occurrence of two males of this ixodid species found on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) from the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.(AU)

Primeiro registro de machos de Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidae) em jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) no estado do Amazonas, Amazônia brasileira: relato de caso / First record of males of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: ixodidae) on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) in the Amazonas state, Brazilian Amazon: case report

O carrapato Amblyomma rotundatum é uma espécie partenogenética, encontrada principalmente em anfíbios e répteis silvestres em todos os biomas brasileiros. No presente relato, registra-se a ocorrência de dois machos dessa espécie de ixodídeo encontrados em um jabuti-tinga (Chelonoidis denticulatus) proveniente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil.(AU)

The Amblyomma rotundatum tick is a parthenogenetic species, found mainly in wild amphibians and reptiles in all Brazilian biomes. The present report records the occurrence of two males of this ixodid species found on yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) from the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.(AU)