Subsistence swine farming: seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infection in the state of Minas Gerais Brazil in 2016.

Although it is considered an economically relevant and prevalent disease, little information is available on the epidemiology and risk factors of porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) in commercial pigs, and no publication is available on subsistence pig farming. The objectives of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of L. intracellularis and identify associated risk factors in backyard pigs in the 12 mesoregions of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood from pigs between 2 months and 6 years of age were sampled; an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to 288 properties investigated in 2016. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-L. intracellularis antibodies using an immunoperoxidase monolayer assay. The seroprevalence of L. intracellularis was 97.7% (CI 95%: 96.7-98.4), and there was no statistical difference among the prevalence of the sampled mesoregions. Only 3 of the 12 risk factors were significant when samples were analyzed from strongly seropositive animals (≥ 1:120) in a Poisson multivariate regression model. There was an interaction between properties in peri-urban areas and extensive production systems. This interaction demonstrated an increase in prevalence rates by 3.7 times (95%CI: 2.4-5.8). Properties close to dumps demonstrated an increase in prevalence rates by 2.2 times (95%CI: 0.99-4.8). In conclusion, anti-L. intracellularis antibodies were widely dispersed in subsistence pig farming's in Minas Gerais, indicating a wide circulation of the agent in this type of production system. The interactions of animals raised close to peri-urban areas, extensively, and close to landfills are risk factors for spread of PPE.

In vitro fertilization: an unexpected finding in a cohort of patients with biliary atresia.

In biliary atresia (BA), efforts to prevent premature liver transplantation (LT) are aimed at early diagnosis, timing of Kasai-portoenterostomy (KPE), and centralization of care. This report presents the clinical picture, treatment strategies, and outcomes of BA patients with no previous treatment. A retrospective cohort study (Jan/2001 to Jan/2021) was conducted to evaluate the outcome of patients with BA referred to a single team. Study groups were: 1) Kasai-only group (K-only) n=9), 2) LT-only group (n=7), and 3) Kasai+LT group (K+LT) (n=23). Survival with native liver and overall survival were 22.9 and 94.8%, respectively, at 120 months of follow-up. There was no difference in age at KPE in the K-only group (46.8±21.8 days) vs K+LT (52.1±22 days), P=0.4. Ten (25.6%) patients were babies conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Four IVF patients (40%) presented associated congenital heart disease vs 5 patients (17%) in the remaining group (P=0.14). Two of the IVF patients were premature (<37 weeks). Median maternal age at birth was 35 years (33 to 41 years). Excellent patient survival is expected for patients with BA with the available treatment strategies. IVF+BA was an unexpected prevalent association in this cohort, and further studies are required to better understand these findings.

Contextual and individual determinants of tooth loss in the Afro-descendant older adult populations of different countries: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The Black population has poorer oral health than other racial groups; however, little is known about the mechanisms that explain this difference. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between race and tooth loss and map the evidence on factors associated with tooth loss in Black older populations. METHODS: Scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews conducted according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A three-step search strategy was applied, and data were collected between April and July 2021. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases. The grey literature was searched using Google Scholar (https://www.scholar.google.com/). The reference lists of included studies were used as additional sources. Studies published in English and Portuguese of the association between tooth loss and different racial groups and the factors associated with tooth loss and tooth retention in Black older adult populations were included. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 913 original articles published between 1995 and 2020 were included. Of these, 75% were research articles, 15% were reports, and 10% dissertations. Eighty per cent reported cross-sectional and 20% longitudinal data. African ancestry was associated with increased odds of tooth loss in older adult populations. Periodontal disease, female sex, and advanced age were the exposures most frequently associated with tooth loss. CONCLUSION: Race, educational level, advanced age, and oral diseases such as periodontitis are associated with increased tooth loss in Afro-descendant older populations.

In vitro fertilization: an unexpected finding in a cohort of patients with biliary atresia

In biliary atresia (BA), efforts to prevent premature liver transplantation (LT) are aimed at early diagnosis, timing of Kasai-portoenterostomy (KPE), and centralization of care. This report presents the clinical picture, treatment strategies, and outcomes of BA patients with no previous treatment. A retrospective cohort study (Jan/2001 to Jan/2021) was conducted to evaluate the outcome of patients with BA referred to a single team. Study groups were: 1) Kasai-only group (K-only) n=9), 2) LT-only group (n=7), and 3) Kasai+LT group (K+LT) (n=23). Survival with native liver and overall survival were 22.9 and 94.8%, respectively, at 120 months of follow-up. There was no difference in age at KPE in the K-only group (46.8±21.8 days) vs K+LT (52.1±22 days), P=0.4. Ten (25.6%) patients were babies conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Four IVF patients (40%) presented associated congenital heart disease vs 5 patients (17%) in the remaining group (P=0.14). Two of the IVF patients were premature (<37 weeks). Median maternal age at birth was 35 years (33 to 41 years). Excellent patient survival is expected for patients with BA with the available treatment strategies. IVF+BA was an unexpected prevalent association in this cohort, and further studies are required to better understand these findings.

Use of blood residue as alternative source of phosphorus in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. ) cultivation / [Utilização de resíduo de sangue como fonte alternativa de fósforo no cultivo de girassol (Helianthus annuus L. )]

The aim of this work was to increase the aerial part, biometry, and yield of achenes from sunflower plants on the effect of increasing doses of blood residue, as an alternative source of phosphorus (P), in a clayey-textured red Oxisol. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with six treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of five doses of blood residue (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48m3 ha-1) and a control treatment that received phosphate chemical fertilization, 80kg ha-1 of P2O5. The increasing doses of blood residue and chemical fertilization do not show disproportionality for P concentration in soil, leaf, plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), chapter diameter (CD) and achene production. The analysis of the principal component (PC) revealed that the first PC presents the greatest accumulated variation (74%). Based on the first PC, the dose of 12m-3 ha-1 has greater influence for PH, SC, and CD. Due to the greater influence on the biometric characteristics of sunflower plants, the blood residue (12m-3 ha-1 = 98.4kg P ha-1), can be used as an alternative source of phosphorus for the cultivation of sunflower in clayey oxisols.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho verificar biometria de parte aérea, rendimento de aquênios de plantas de girassol sobre o efeito de doses crescentes de resíduo de sangue, como fonte alternativa de fósforo (P), em um Latossolo vermelho de textura argilosa. O delineamento experimento utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por cinco doses de resíduo de sangue (0, 6, 12, 24 e 48m3 ha-1) e um tratamento que recebeu a adubação fosfatada química, 80kg ha-1 de P2O5. As doses crescentes de resíduo de sangue e adubação química não demostram desproporcionalidade para a concentração de P no solo, folha, altura de planta (AP), diâmetro de caule (DC), diâmetro de capítulo (DCP) e produção de aquênios. A análise de componentes (CP) principais revelou que o primeiro CP apresenta maior variação acumulada (74%). Baseado no primeiro CP, a dose de 12 m-3 ha-1exibe maior influência para AP, DC e DCP. Devido a maior influência sobre as características biométricas em plantas de girassol, o resíduo de sangue (12m-3 ha-1 = 98,4kg P ha-1), pode ser utilizado como fonte alternativa de fósforo para o cultivo de girassol em Latossolos de textura argilosa.

Occupational infection to Brucella abortus B19 vaccine despite antimicrobial prophylaxis / Infecção ocupacional pela cepa vacinal de Brucella abortus B19 apesar de profilaxia antimicrobiana

ABSTRACT: The authors report the case of a veterinarian who acquired brucellosis infection by accidental exposure to Brucella abortus vaccine (BRUCEL-VET B19) while performing animal vaccination. Antibiotic prophylaxis with doxycycline and rifampin for six weeks was indicated, but rifampin was discontinued after 10 days due to gastrointestinal in-tolerance. Despite prophylaxis, the patient seroconverted after 30 days, but was asymptomatic and did not require additional antibiotic therapy. Post-exposure prophylaxis of Brucella is not free from side effects and asymptomatic seroconversion can occur despite prophylaxis. (AU)

RESUMO: Os autores relatam o caso de um veterinário que adquiriu infecção por brucelose por exposição acidental à vacina Brucellaabortus (BRUCEL-VET B19) durante a vacinação animal. A profilaxia antibiótica com doxiciclina e rifampici-na por seis semanas foi indicada, mas a rifampicina foi descontinuada após 10 dias devido à intolerância gastroin-testinal. A profilaxia pós-exposição de Brucella não está isenta de efeitos colaterais e a soroconversãoassintomática pode ocorrer apesar da profilaxia. (AU)

Morphogenetic, structural and production traits of marandu grass under nitrogen rates in Neo soil / [Características morfogênicas, estruturais e produtivas do capim-marandu sob doses de nitrogênio em Neossolo]

Most sandy soils have low natural fertility and low levels of organic matter, making nitrogen (N) fertilization essential. Thus, five doses of N were applied (0, 75, 125, 175 and 225mg dm-³) in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural and production characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in a Quartzarenic neosoil. The doses of N did not affect the height of the canopy. The leaf elongation rate, final leaf length and number of live leaves increased linearly at the doses of N. Leaf appearance rate, stem elongation rate, leaf lifespan, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and tiller density showed a quadratic response to the rates There was also an effect of N rates in herbage mass, leaf mass, stem mass, which increased linearly. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu cultivated in Quartzarenic neosoil requires higher doses of N, 175 and 225mg dm-³. Under these conditions, increases in its morphogenetic, structural and productive characteristics are observed. These findings may not be repeated in the most fertile soils with the greatest capacity to supply N.(AU)

A maioria dos solos arenosos tem baixa fertilidade natural e baixos teores de matéria orgânica, tornando a adubação com nitrogênio (N) essencial. Assim, foram aplicadas cinco doses de N (0, 75, 125, 175 e 225mg dm-³) em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, para se avaliarem os efeitos da adubação com nitrogênio nas características morfogênicas, estruturais e produtivas da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, em um Neossolo Quartzarênico. As doses de N não afetaram a altura do dossel. A taxa de alongamento foliar, o comprimento final da folha e o número de folhas vivas aumentaram linearmente em função das doses de N. A taxa de aparecimento de folhas, a taxa de alongamento do caule, o tempo de vida da folha, o filocrono, a taxa de senescência foliar e a densidade de perfilhos apresentaram resposta quadrática às doses de N. A massa da forragem, a massa foliar e a massa do caule aumentaram linearmente. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu cultivada em Neossolo Quartzarênico requer maiores doses de N, 175 e 225mg dm-³. Nessas condições, são observados aumentos em suas características morfogenéticas, estruturais e produtivas. Esses achados podem não se repetir nos solos mais férteis e com maior capacidade de suprir N.(AU)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001) supplementation for the control of Haemonchus contortus and modulation of the immune response of sheep.

Studies aiming at the development and evaluation of alternative methods to minimise losses caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus are extremely important. Such research is essential, given the high morbidity rates among sheep and the significant mortality rates of lambs, allied to the low efficacy of commercial products for the control of this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001 - YEASTECH) on the control of H. contortus and its modulation of the immune response in experimentally infected sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, comprised animals infected with H. contortus and supplemented with distilled water, while Group 2, the treated group, consisted of animals infected and supplemented with S. cerevisiae (400 million cfu/day of suspension for 49 days). The following parasitological parameters were evaluated: number of eggs per gram of faeces, number of infective larvae (L3) recovered per faecal culture, and parasitic load of the abomasum. The following immunological parameters were quantified: immunoglobulin (Ig)A in the mucous secretions and serum IgG; cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10; number of eosinophils in the abomasal mucosa and groups of cells positive for the markers: MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+, WC4, CD5+CD4+, CD8+CD11b+ and CD5+WC1 by whole blood flow cytometry. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the number of larvae and significantly higher serum IgG levels (P<0.05) in the group supplemented with S. cerevisiae. The supplemented animals showed significantly larger numbers of eosinophils (P<0.05), as well as more cells positive for MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+ than the control animals. This study confirmed the beneficial action of S. cerevisiae on the host immune response to H. contortus, as evidenced mainly by the smaller number of L3 recovered from the faeces of sheep supplemented with S. cerevisiae.

Hematological and biochemical profiles of Mangalarga Marchador mares in the transition period bred on pasture / Perfis hematológico e bioquímico de éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador no período de transição mantidas a pasto

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the transition period on hematological and biochemical constituents in Mangalarga Marchador mares. Forty-eight mares were used to form a maintenance group (MG) and transition group (TG), formed by pregnant mares and, after delivery, infants. Blood samples were collected at the following times: T-60 (60 d pre-delivery), T-30 (30 d pre-delivery), T-15 (15 d pre-delivery), T0 (first 6h post-delivery), T15 (15 d post-delivery), T30 (30 d post-delivery), and T60 (60 d post-delivery). The TG had lower values (P< 0.05) of red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin at T0, T15, T30 and T60 times than MG. The mean corpuscular volume was lower in MG (P< 0.05) than in TG (T0, T15, T30 and T60) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15, T30 and T60). On the other hand, the diameter distribution of red blood cells presented a lower value (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15 and T30). Mares in transition period presented regenerative anemia. The results demonstrate physiological metabolic variations of different intensities during pregnancy, delivery and early lactation.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do período de transição em constituintes hematológicos e bioquímicos em éguas Mangalarga Marchador. Foram utilizadas 48 éguas para formar um grupo de manutenção (GM) e um grupo de transição (GT), composto por éguas gestantes e, após o parto, lactentes. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos seguintes tempos: T-60 (60 dias pré-parto), T-30 (30 dias pré-parto), T-15 (15 dias pré-parto), T0 (seis primeiras horas pós-parto), T15 (15 dias pós-parto), T30 (30 dias pós-parto) e T60 (60 dias pós-parto). O GT apresentou valores menores (P<0,05) de hemácias, hematócrito e hemoglobina, nos tempos T0, T15, T30 e T60, do que o GM. O volume corpuscular médio foi menor no GM (P<0,05) do que no GT (T0, T15, T30, T60) e a concentração corpórea de hemoglobina corpórea foi maior (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15, T30, T60). Por outro lado, a distribuição do diâmetro dos eritrócitos apresentou um valor menor (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15 e T30). Éguas em período de transição apresentam anemia regenerativa. Os resultados demonstram variações metabólicas de diferentes intensidades durante a gestação, o parto e o início de lactação.(AU)

Hematological and biochemical profiles of Mangalarga Marchador mares in the transition period bred on pasture / Perfis hematológico e bioquímico de éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador no período de transição mantidas a pasto

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the transition period on hematological and biochemical constituents in Mangalarga Marchador mares. Forty-eight mares were used to form a maintenance group (MG) and transition group (TG), formed by pregnant mares and, after delivery, infants. Blood samples were collected at the following times: T-60 (60 d pre-delivery), T-30 (30 d pre-delivery), T-15 (15 d pre-delivery), T0 (first 6h post-delivery), T15 (15 d post-delivery), T30 (30 d post-delivery), and T60 (60 d post-delivery). The TG had lower values (P< 0.05) of red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin at T0, T15, T30 and T60 times than MG. The mean corpuscular volume was lower in MG (P< 0.05) than in TG (T0, T15, T30 and T60) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15, T30 and T60). On the other hand, the diameter distribution of red blood cells presented a lower value (P< 0.05) in MG than in TG (T15 and T30). Mares in transition period presented regenerative anemia. The results demonstrate physiological metabolic variations of different intensities during pregnancy, delivery and early lactation.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do período de transição em constituintes hematológicos e bioquímicos em éguas Mangalarga Marchador. Foram utilizadas 48 éguas para formar um grupo de manutenção (GM) e um grupo de transição (GT), composto por éguas gestantes e, após o parto, lactentes. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos seguintes tempos: T-60 (60 dias pré-parto), T-30 (30 dias pré-parto), T-15 (15 dias pré-parto), T0 (seis primeiras horas pós-parto), T15 (15 dias pós-parto), T30 (30 dias pós-parto) e T60 (60 dias pós-parto). O GT apresentou valores menores (P<0,05) de hemácias, hematócrito e hemoglobina, nos tempos T0, T15, T30 e T60, do que o GM. O volume corpuscular médio foi menor no GM (P<0,05) do que no GT (T0, T15, T30, T60) e a concentração corpórea de hemoglobina corpórea foi maior (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15, T30, T60). Por outro lado, a distribuição do diâmetro dos eritrócitos apresentou um valor menor (P<0,05) no GM do que no GT (T15 e T30). Éguas em período de transição apresentam anemia regenerativa. Os resultados demonstram variações metabólicas de diferentes intensidades durante a gestação, o parto e o início de lactação.(AU)

Hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs dehydrated by water restriction: Part 1 / Soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães desidratados por restrição hídrica: Parte 1

The present study assessed and compared the effects of hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs submitted to water restriction on packed cell volume; total serum protein and serum osmolarity concentrations; blood volume; plasma glucose and lactate levels; blood gas analysis, anion gap, and strong ion difference. Six adult dogs were used (four males and two females). All animals were submitted to both proposed treatments in a crossover design 6×2. The treatments were as follows: ESmalt consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g maltodextrin that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 215mOsm L−1) and ESdext consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g dextrose that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 243mOsm L−1). All solutions were administered at 15ml kg−1 h−1 for 4 hours. Both solutions increased the plasma volume in dehydrated dogs without causing adverse effects. However, ESmalt was more effective in promoting the increase in blood volume.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou e comparou os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas, administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães submetidos a restrição hídrica, sobre o hematócrito, proteínas totais séricas, osmolaridade sérica, volemia, glicose e lactato plasmáticos, hemogasometria, ânion gap e DIF. Foram utilizados seis cães adultos (quatro machos e duas fêmeas). Todos os animais foram submetidos aos dois tratamentos propostos, em um delineamento crossover 6×2. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: SEmalt - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de maltodextrina, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 215mOsm L -1 ); SEdext - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de dextrose, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 243mOsm L -1 ). Todas as soluções foram administradas no volume de 15mL kg -1 hora -1 , durante quatro horas, em fluxo contínuo. Ambas as soluções aumentaram o volume plasmático em cães desidratados, sem gerar o aparecimento de efeitos adversos. Porém, a SEmalt foi mais eficaz em promover a expansão da volemia.

Hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs dehydrated by water restriction: Part 1 / Soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães desidratados por restrição hídrica: Parte 1

The present study assessed and compared the effects of hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow in dogs submitted to water restriction on packed cell volume; total serum protein and serum osmolarity concentrations; blood volume; plasma glucose and lactate levels; blood gas analysis, anion gap, and strong ion difference. Six adult dogs were used (four males and two females). All animals were submitted to both proposed treatments in a crossover design 6×2. The treatments were as follows: ESmalt consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g maltodextrin that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 215mOsm L−1) and ESdext consisting of 5g sodium chloride, 1g potassium chloride, 1g calcium acetate, 0.2g magnesium pidolate, and 9.6g dextrose that were diluted in 1.000mL water (measured osmotic concentration of 243mOsm L−1). All solutions were administered at 15ml kg−1 h−1 for 4 hours. Both solutions increased the plasma volume in dehydrated dogs without causing adverse effects. However, ESmalt was more effective in promoting the increase in blood volume.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou e comparou os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais hipotônicas, administradas por sonda nasoesofágica em fluxo contínuo em cães submetidos a restrição hídrica, sobre o hematócrito, proteínas totais séricas, osmolaridade sérica, volemia, glicose e lactato plasmáticos, hemogasometria, ânion gap e DIF. Foram utilizados seis cães adultos (quatro machos e duas fêmeas). Todos os animais foram submetidos aos dois tratamentos propostos, em um delineamento crossover 6×2. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: SEmalt - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de maltodextrina, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 215mOsm L -1 ); SEdext - 5g de cloreto de sódio, 1g de cloreto de potássio, 1g de acetato de cálcio, 0,2g de pidolato de magnésio e 9,6g de dextrose, diluídos em 1.000mL de água (osmolaridade mensurada: 243mOsm L -1 ). Todas as soluções foram administradas no volume de 15mL kg -1 hora -1 , durante quatro horas, em fluxo contínuo. Ambas as soluções aumentaram o volume plasmático em cães desidratados, sem gerar o aparecimento de efeitos adversos. Porém, a SEmalt foi mais eficaz em promover a expansão da volemia.

Environmental factors that influence milk production of Pantaneiro ewes and the weight gain of their lambs during the pre-weaning period.

The main objective of this research was to conduct an exploratory study of the lactation curve in order to characterize the productive potential of Pantaneiro ewes and lambs. Fifty ewes were bred using four rams in two different mating seasons. The ewes were kept with their lambs on pasture of Brachiaria brizantha. Ewe body score, ewe weight, and lamb weight were evaluated. Milk sampling was performed every week. In the morning for milk collections, the ewes were treated with 1 UI of oxytocin (intramuscular) for complete milking. Lambs were separated from the ewes for 4 h and milk collections were performed. The total milk production over 24 h was estimated by multiplying the production of this period (4 h) by 6. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (P < 0.05) in SAS. Milk production data were fitted to the curve using the incomplete gamma function of Wood, and lamb growth data were fitted using the Gompertiz equation. The average milk production of the ewes was 1.03 kg/day-1. Younger ewes had the lowest milk production (18 = 798 ± 330, 24 = 1001 ± 440, 36 = 1100 ± 490, and 48 = 1106 ± 490 g/day-1). Ewe body score at lambing affected initial milk production (1.0 = 816 ± 660, 1.5 = 1089 ± 105, and 2.0 = 1424 ± 1600 g/day-1). Lambs were weaned with an average weight of 20.3 kg. Daily weight gain from birth to weaning was 181 g. Locally adapted Pantaneiro ewes showed a linear decreasing lactation curve, with reduced production from the second week of lactation. Overall, evaluation of the dairy production and lamb performance revealed great variation, denoting potential for selection.

A cluster of Rickettsia rickettsii infection at an animal shelter in an urban area of Brazil.

Rickettsia rickettsii infection is being increasingly recognized as an important cause of fatal acute illness in Brazil, where this tick-borne disease is designated Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). In this study we report five fatal cases of BSF in employees of an animal shelter in an urban area in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro in southeast Brazil after a natural disaster on 11 January 2011. Four of the cases occurred from 27 January to 11 April 2011, while the fifth fatal case was identified in April 2012. Three cases were confirmed by molecular analysis and two by epidemiological linkage. An investigation of BSF was performed in the animal shelter, and blood samples were collected from 115 employees and 117 randomly selected dogs. The presence of high levels (1024-4096) of antibodies against spotted fever group rickettsiae was found in three (2·6%) employees and 114 (97·5%) dogs. These findings emphasize the need to consider BSF as a possible cause of undifferentiated febrile illness, especially dengue and leptospirosis, in patients occupationally exposed to dogs heavily infested by ticks, mainly working at kennels and animal shelters that have inadequate space for the animals housed and frequently providing an environment conducive to exposure to pathogens such as R. rickettsii.

Evaluation of renal function in sickle cell disease patients in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to investigate renal function in a cohort of 98 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) followed up at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Clinical and laboratory characteristics at the time of the most recent medical examination were analyzed. Renal function was evaluated by the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by the criteria of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI). We compared patients with normal GFR to patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)) and hyperfiltration (>120 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)). Comparison between patients according to the use of hydroxyurea and comparison of clinical and laboratory parameters according to GFR were also carried out. Average patient age was 33.8 ± 13.3 years (range 19-67 years), and 57 (58.1%) patients were females. The comparison of patients according to GFR showed that patients with decreased GFR (<60 mL·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)) were older, had lower levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and higher levels of urea and creatinine. Independent risk factors for decreased GFR were advanced age (OR = 21.6, P < 0.0001) and anemia (OR = 39.6, P < 0.0001). Patients with glomerular hyperfiltration tended to be younger, had higher levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets and lower levels of urea and creatinine, with less frequent urinary abnormalities. Hydroxyurea, at the dosage of 500-1000 mg/day, was being administered to 28.5% of the patients, and there was no significant difference regarding renal function between the two groups. Further studies are required to establish the best therapeutic approach to renal abnormalities in SCD.

Motor behavioral abnormalities and histopathological findings of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells

The objective of the present study was to describe motor behavioral changes in association with histopathological and hematological findings in Wistar rats inoculated intravenously with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected MT2 cells. Twenty-five 4-month-old male rats were inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells and 13 control rats were inoculated with normal human lymphocytes. The behavior of the rats was observed before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 months after inoculation during a 30-min/rat testing time for 5 consecutive days. During each of 4 periods, a subset of rats was randomly chosen to be sacrificed in order to harvest the spinal cord for histopathological analysis and to obtain blood for serological and molecular studies. Behavioral analyses of the HTLV-1-inoculated rats showed a significant decrease of climbing, walking and freezing, and an increase of scratching, sniffing, biting, licking, and resting/sleeping. Two of the 25 HTLV-1-inoculated rats (8 percent) developed spastic paraparesis as a major behavioral change. The histopathological changes were few and mild, but in some cases there was diffuse lymphocyte infiltration. The minor and major behavioral changes occurred after 10-20 months of evolution. The long-term observation of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells showed major (spastic paraparesis) and minor motor abnormalities in association with the degree of HTLV-1-induced myelopathy.

Motor behavioral abnormalities and histopathological findings of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells.

The objective of the present study was to describe motor behavioral changes in association with histopathological and hematological findings in Wistar rats inoculated intravenously with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected MT2 cells. Twenty-five 4-month-old male rats were inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells and 13 control rats were inoculated with normal human lymphocytes. The behavior of the rats was observed before and 5, 10, 15, and 20 months after inoculation during a 30-min/rat testing time for 5 consecutive days. During each of 4 periods, a subset of rats was randomly chosen to be sacrificed in order to harvest the spinal cord for histopathological analysis and to obtain blood for serological and molecular studies. Behavioral analyses of the HTLV-1-inoculated rats showed a significant decrease of climbing, walking and freezing, and an increase of scratching, sniffing, biting, licking, and resting/sleeping. Two of the 25 HTLV-1-inoculated rats (8%) developed spastic paraparesis as a major behavioral change. The histopathological changes were few and mild, but in some cases there was diffuse lymphocyte infiltration. The minor and major behavioral changes occurred after 10-20 months of evolution. The long-term observation of Wistar rats inoculated with HTLV-1-infected MT2 cells showed major (spastic paraparesis) and minor motor abnormalities in association with the degree of HTLV-1-induced myelopathy.

Study of the dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) community at two sites: Atlantic forest and clear-cut, Pernambuco, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to compare the dung beetle (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) community structure at two sites in the Charles Darwin Ecological Refuge in Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil. Dung beetles were collected in 2006 using monthly samples from 48 pitfall traps baited with human dung and bovine carrion. The dung beetle communities from the study sites were compared in terms of abundance, species richness, and diversity (Shannon index). Seasonality was analyzed by Spearman correlation between rainfall data and community parameters. In total, 2,560 individuals belonging to 40 species, 16 genera, and 6 tribes were collected. Species richness was higher for the clear-cut area compared with the forest habitat. Estimators of species richness suggested a total richness of 42-47 species in the entire study area. A positive correlation was observed between monthly rainfall and total abundance of individuals for the clear-cut area but not for the forest habitat. This study contributes to a better understanding of Scarabaeinae ecology in the Atlantic rainforest of northeastern Brazil.

Peripheral neuropathy and neurological disorders in an unselected Brazilian population-based cohort of IBD patients.

BACKGROUND: Several neurological disorders have been described in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, but their exact frequency is unknown. METHODS: We prospectively studied the prevalence of neurological disorders (especially peripheral neuropathy) in a group of 82 patients with Crohn's disease (CD, n = 31) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 51) from 2 Brazilian tertiary care university clinics and followed them through a period of at least 1 year. All patients were interviewed and had complete neurological evaluations. RESULTS: Large-fiber sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy (PN) was observed in 16.1% of the CD and 19.6% of the UC patients. PN was usually mild, predominantly symmetric, and distal with axonal involvement. One patient had demyelinating PN at the diagnosis of CD. Mild carpal tunnel syndrome was common in female UC patients. Sensory symptoms without electromyography abnormalities, suggestive of small-fiber neuropathy or subclinical myelopathy, affected 29% and 11.8%, respectively. After excluding other known etiological or contributory factors for PN, 13.4% of the IBD patients had otherwise unexplained large-fiber or small-fiber PN (7.3% with large-fiber SM PN). Nondebilitating headache was the most common neurological complaint. Three patients had ischemic strokes, 5 were epileptic, and 1 transient chorea. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological disorders, especially PN, are common in our Brazilian cohort of IBD patients. They are diverse, multifactorial, and more common in women. Despite the mild phenotype in most cases, attention should be given by the general practitioner and gastroenterologist since they are frequently undiagnosed. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings in populations with different genetic and nutritional backgrounds.

Molecular profiling of isolated histological components of Wilms tumor implicates a commom role for the Wnt signaling pathway in kidney and tumor development

Wilms tumor (WT), a tumor composed of three histological components - blastema (BL), epithelia and stroma - is considered an appropriate model system to study the biological relationship between differentiation and tumorigenesis. To investigate molecular associations between nephrogenesis and WT, the gene expression pattern of individual cellular components was analyzed, using a customized platform containing 4,608 genes. WT gene expression patterns were compared to genes regulated during kidney differentiation. BL had a closer gene expression pattern to the earliest stage of normal renal development. The BL gene expression pattern was compared to that of fetal kidney (FK) and also between FK and mature kidney, identifying 25 common deregulated genes supposedly involved in the earliest events of WT onset. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed, confirming the difference in expression levels for 13 of 16 genes (81.2%) in the initial set and 8 of 13 (61.5%) in an independent set of samples. An overrepresentation of genes belonging to the Wnt signaling pathway was identified, namely PLCG2, ROCK2 and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). Activation of the Wnt pathway was confirmed in WT, using APC at protein level and PLCG2 at mRNA and protein level. APC showed positive nuclear immunostaining for an independent set of WT samples, similarly to the FK in week 11. Lack of PLCG2 expression was confirmed in WT and in FK until week 18. Taken together, these results provided molecular evidence of the recapitulation of the embryonic kidney by WT as well as involvement of the Wnt pathway in the earliest events of WT onset.