Epidemiological characterization of notified human brucellosis cases in Southern Brazil.

Brucellosis is one of the most important and widespread bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, and it is transmitted to humans from various sources, including direct contact with infected animals and the ingestion of contaminated products, including unpasteurized milk. There are only a few epidemiological studies on said disease in humans in Western Santa Catarina, a region instantiated by agriculture. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological aspects of human brucellosis reported in Western Santa Catarina from 2013 to 2018. The data were provided by the Epidemiological Surveillance Board (Diretoria de Vigilancia Epidemiologica). The frequency of the disease in humans and the epidemiological profile of confirmed human cases were evaluated. Cases that were screened positive and those that were confirmed and submitted to the therapeutic protocol were analyzed. During the study period, 3,671 people were tested, of which 12.34% were screened positive (453/ 3,671) and 3.40% were confirmed (125/3,671). The year with the highest number of people testing positive was 2015 (123 cases), and 2018 was the year with the highest number of confirmed cases (39 cases). Confirmed cases predominated in males (48.8%), self-declared white (22.4%), aged 20-59 years old (60%), with incomplete primary education (22.4%), of rural origin (59.2%), with occupational contact with cattle (64.8%), engaged in professions directly linked to agricultural and livestock activities (55.5%), and who reported consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (59.2%). No seasonal variation was observed in case numbers. The results demonstrated that brucellosis is an endemic disease in Western Santa Catarina.

Firocoxib as a Potential Neoadjuvant Treatment in Canine Patients with Triple-Negative Mammary Gland Tumors.

This study aimed to investigate the pro-apoptotic effects of NSAID (Previcox®) in vitro and in vivo. Two CMT cell lines, one from the primary tumor and one from bone metastasis, were treated with firocoxib and MTT assay was performed to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. The firocoxib IC50 for the cell lines UNESP-CM5 and UNESP-MM1 were 25.21 µM and 27.41 µM, respectively. The cell lines were then treated with the respective firocoxib IC50 concentrations and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay was performed, to detect the induction of apoptosis in both cells (Annexin+/PI+). We conducted an in vivo study involving female dogs affected by CMT and divided them into control and treatment groups. For both groups, a biopsy was performed on day 0 (D0) and a mastectomy was performed on day 14 (D14). In the treatment group, after biopsy on D0, the patients received Previcox® 5 mg/kg PO once a day until mastectomy was performed on D14. COX-2/caspase-3 double immunostaining was performed on samples from D0 and D14, revealing no difference in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group Previcox® increased the number of COX-2 positive apoptotic cells. Therefore, firocoxib can induce apoptosis in CMT cells in vitro and in vivo, and Previcox® can be a potential neoadjuvant treatment for patients with mammary cancer.

Epidemiological characterization of notified human brucellosis cases in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is one of the most important and widespread bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, and it is transmitted to humans from various sources, including direct contact with infected animals and the ingestion of contaminated products, including unpasteurized milk. There are only a few epidemiological studies on said disease in humans in Western Santa Catarina, a region instantiated by agriculture. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological aspects of human brucellosis reported in Western Santa Catarina from 2013 to 2018. The data were provided by the Epidemiological Surveillance Board (Diretoria de Vigilancia Epidemiologica). The frequency of the disease in humans and the epidemiological profile of confirmed human cases were evaluated. Cases that were screened positive and those that were confirmed and submitted to the therapeutic protocol were analyzed. During the study period, 3,671 people were tested, of which 12.34% were screened positive (453/ 3,671) and 3.40% were confirmed (125/3,671). The year with the highest number of people testing positive was 2015 (123 cases), and 2018 was the year with the highest number of confirmed cases (39 cases). Confirmed cases predominated in males (48.8%), self-declared white (22.4%), aged 20-59 years old (60%), with incomplete primary education (22.4%), of rural origin (59.2%), with occupational contact with cattle (64.8%), engaged in professions directly linked to agricultural and livestock activities (55.5%), and who reported consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (59.2%). No seasonal variation was observed in case numbers. The results demonstrated that brucellosis is an endemic disease in Western Santa Catarina.

Investigation of Prognostic Value of Claudin-5, PSMA, and Ki67 Expression in Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma.

Splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumor of endothelial cells that affects middle-aged and elderly dogs and is characterized by the formation of new blood vessels, commonly associated with necrotic and hemorrhagic areas. Despite its importance in veterinary medicine, few studies have identified markers with prognostic value for canine HSA. Thus, this study aimed to associate the clinicopathological findings (prostate-specific membrane antigen [PSMA], Claudin-5, and Ki67 gene and protein expression) with overall survival in HSA-affected patients. Fifty-three formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded canine splenic HSA samples, previously diagnosed by histopathological examination, were used in this study. Claudin-5, PSMA, and Ki67 protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Claudin-5 protein overexpression was observed in patients with metastasis (p = 0.0078) and with stage III tumors compared to those with stage I and II tumors (p = 0.0451). In patients treated with surgery alone, low PSMA gene and protein expression (p = 0.05 and p = 0.0355, respectively) were associated with longer survival time. Longer survival time was observed in patients with a low Ki67 index (p = 0.0488). Our results indicate that Claudin-5 protein expression is associated with metastatic status, and PSMA gene and protein expression, and Ki67 index are associated with survival time.

Epidemiological characterization of reported cases of brucellosis in cattle in the western region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Caracterização epidemiológica dos casos notificados de brucelose em bovinos na região Oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Brucellosis is one of the most important and widespread bacterial zoonoses in the world. There are few epidemiological studies on brucellosis in cattle in the productive region of western Santa Catarina. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological aspects of bovine brucellosis reported in this region from 2013 to 2018. Cattle data were provided by the Integrated Company for Agricultural Development of Santa Catarina (Companhia Integrada de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de Santa Catarina - CIDASC). The prevalence of the disease was evaluated in cattle and herds by means of temporal trend analysis and spatial distribution. Bovines with tests showing positive for brucellosis were analyzed for location (municipality) and year of confirmation of diagnosis. In the study period (2013-2018), 686,086 tests were performed for brucellosis, with a prevalence rate of 1.11% (7,586/686,086). Among the 80,171 herds tested, 0.95% were found to be positive (764/80171). The odds ratio of brucellosis occurrence in cattle increased significantly in 2015 (OR = 1.55) and 2016 (OR = 1.97) and decreased in 2014 (OR = 0.47) and 2017 (OR = 0.97). The disease is present in cattle in 61.07% (80/131) of the municipalities where the tests were performed. Results showed that brucellosis is endemic in the region.

RESUMO: A brucelose é uma das zoonoses bacterianas mais importantes e difundidas no mundo. São poucos os estudos epidemiológicos sobre a doença em bovinos na região produtiva do Oeste de Santa Catarina. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os aspectos epidemiológicos da brucelose bovina notificados nesta região entre os anos de 2013 a 2018. Os dados sobre os bovinos foram fornecidos pela Companhia Integrada de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de Santa Catarina (CIDASC). Foram avaliadas as prevalências da doença nos bovinos e rebanhos, por meio de análise de tendência temporal e distribuição espacial. Os bovinos, cujo exame confirmatório mostrou positividade para brucelose, foram analisados quanto à localização (município) e o ano de confirmação do diagnóstico. No período de estudo (2013-2018) foram realizados 686.086 testes para brucelose, encontrando-se prevalência de 1,11% (7.586/686.086) de animais positivos, enquanto a prevalência de rebanhos positivos, dentre os 80.171 testados, foi de 0,95% (764/80171). As razões de chances de ocorrência de brucelose nos bovinos aumentaram significativamente nos anos de 2015 (OR= 1,55) e 2016 (OR= 1,97) e diminuíram em 2014 (OR= 0,47) e 2017 (OR= 0,97). A doença está presente nos bovinos em 61,07% (80/131) dos municípios em que foram realizados os testes. Os resultados demonstram que a brucelose é endêmica na região.

Tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and macrophages are associated with prognostic factors in triple-negative canine mammary complex type carcinoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells and tumor-infiltrating macrophages (TIMs) with the clinical parameters of female dogs harboring mammary gland tumors. Thirty female dogs affected with mammary carcinomas were used, and all tumors were histologically classified as complex carcinoma and were triple-negative phenotype determined by immunohistochemistry. Freshly frozen sections were used to determine CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by immunohistochemistry, and TIMs were determined by immunofluorescence assays. Ten out of the 30 dogs showed lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. Fifteen dogs had a tumor of grade I (15/30), nine (9/30) had a tumor of grade II and six (6/30) had a tumor of grade III. The mean overall survival was 680.5 days (± 200.4). Dogs with sentinel lymph node positivity (10/30) (P = .0035) and dogs that developed metastasis (P = .0001) showed a shorter survival time. In addition, dogs with a high level of inflammatory infiltrate in tumor tissues presented a shorter survival time (P = .0001) than that of other dogs. Dogs with tumors containing higher numbers of CD3+ T cells (P = .001), CD4+ T cells (P = .001), or TIM cells (P < .0001) showed a shorter survival time than that of other dogs. Our results suggested that characteristics of immune cell infiltrates, including CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and TIMs, can be used as potential prognostic indicators for predicting clinical outcomes in dogs with mammary gland tumors, particularly tumors with a complex histological subtype and triple-negative phenotype.

Long-Term Survival of a Cat with Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder.

Primary bladder leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed in a four-year-old, mixed-breed, spayed female cat that presented with lethargy, stranguria, polyuria, hematuria, urinary incontinence and abdominal sensitivity. On abdominal ultrasound, the urinary bladder was observed to have a preserved anatomical position and a hyperechoic mass. The mass measured approximately 1.5 cm, was irregular, and arose from the mucosa of the bladder wall. Due to the evidence of a primary tumor in the urinary bladder, we conducted a partial cystectomy with a 1.0 cm surgical margin and performed histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The histopathology revealed a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm, characterized by the proliferation of spindle cells with moderate nuclear pleomorphism, suggestive of leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the histopathological diagnosis, showing positive staining for vimentin, desmin and alpha-smooth muscle actin and negative staining for S100, pan-cytokeratin and MyoD1. We also assessed the proliferative index by Ki67 staining and found that 57% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Ki67. We conducted clinical follow-ups every three months in the first year and every six months thereafter. The patient showed no signs of recurrence after 48 months. The surgery was sufficient to treat the leiomyosarcoma, and adjuvant chemotherapy was not necessary in this case.

Deregulation of VEGFR-2 and PDGFR Expression and Microvascular Density in a Triple-Negative Model of Canine Malignant Mammary Tumors with Lymph Node or Lung Metastasis.

Canine mammary tumors (CMT) represent the most common cancer in noncastrated female dogs. Interestingly, triple-negative tumors are the most common molecular subtype in female dogs. In this study, we proposed to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and microvascular density (MVD) in a group of metastatic and nonmetastatic triple-negative CMT and compare the expression based on clinical parameters. Twenty-six female dogs with triple-negative mammary tumors were divided into three groups: nonmetastatic tumors (NMT) (n = 11), tumors with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (n = 10), and tumors with lung metastasis (LM) (n = 5). We observed increased VEGFR-2 expression in LNM compared with NMT and a positive correlation between tumor grade and VEGFR-2 expression. A positive correlation was noted between VEGFR-2 and PDGFR expression. Regarding microvascular density (MVD), we identified a higher number of vessels in primary tumors with lymph node metastasis and lung metastasis compared with tumors with no metastasis. The primary tumors with lung metastasis exhibited an increased MVD compared with carcinoma with lymph node metastasis. Overall, our results suggest a deregulation of VEGFR-2 and PDGFR and high MVD in metastatic tumors, indicating a role for angiogenesis in tumor progression.

Spontaneous poisoning by Hovenia dulcis in dairy cattle in Southwest Parana, Brazil.

Livestock poisoning by plants is a frequent occurrence which determines severe losses, such as the fall in the milk and meat production, the cost of expensive treatments, the state of immunosuppression, or even the animal's death. Cattle ingest toxic plants only when there is food shortage, when they cannot select what they eat, or when they ingest food for preference, which is the case of Hovenia dulcis fruits, very rich in sucrose. This plant is widely distributed in the southern and southeastern Brazilian regions. In literature, there are some cases of severe human liver injury associated with a long-term of H. dulcis leaf and fruit tea intake, and only one report regarding spontaneous poisoning of goats caused by this plant ingestion. However, its toxic effects associated with spontaneous ingestion by cattle have never been reported. This paper reports the first case of spontaneous poisoning in cattle by H. dulcis, which occurred in a dairy farm in southwest Paraná, Brazil. Three cattle individuals showed anorexia, ruminal atony, severe diarrhea and neurological tournament, head pressing, blindness, ataxia, and circling. The necropsy of the animals was done, and the remaining alterations were restricted to the digestive system and brain. The clinical signs presented by the animals are characteristic of polioencephalomalacia (PEM), caused by changes in the thiamine metabolism. Furthermore, clinical signs, gross, and microscopic lesions as well as the large amount of the plant throughout the digestive segment led to a diagnosis.

Carcinoma inflamatório de mama ­ Uma abordagem comparada / Inflammatory mammary carcinoma - A comparative approach / Carcinoma inflamatório de mama - Un enfoque comparativo

O Carcinoma Inflamatório de Mama (CIM) é um neoplasma maligno de rápida evolução que apresenta baixa ocorrência tanto em cadelas quanto em mulheres. É pouco relatado pelos médicos veterinários no Brasil, fato que pode ser relacionado à falta de conhecimento da doença associado à necessidade da relação dos achados clínicos com exame histopatológico para o diagnóstico definitivo. Esse neoplasma também acomete a glândula mamária de mulheres, nas quais demonstra características clássicas de inflamação como dor, turgor de pele e aumento de temperatura local. Para diagnóstico definitivo é considerado a presença de êmbolos de células tumorais em canais linfáticos da derme associados aos sinais clínicos de inflamação. Devido ao grau de infiltração local, os sinais de inflamação e a presença de êmbolos em linfáticos, o paciente humano e veterinário apresentam prognóstico desfavorável. O CIM é pouco responsivo à quimioterapia e devido às características de inflamação, não apresenta indicação cirúrgica na maioria dos casos. Devido à agressividade do CIM em mulheres e nas cadelas, do prognóstico desfavorável e das restritas opções terapêuticas essa revisão objetiva descrever os avanços das opções terapêuticas além do tratamento paliativo na literatura atual além de apresentar uma abordagem comparada, considerando a cadela um modelo de estudo para a doença na mulher.

The Inflammatory Mammary Carcinoma (IMC) is a low-occurrence malignant neoplasm with rapid evolution that affects dogs and women. There are few reports of this disease in the Brazilian veterinary literature, which may be related to the lack of knowledge of the disease associated with the need of relating clinical findings to histopathology exams for definitive diagnosis. This neoplasm also affects the mammary glands in women, which demonstrates classical signs of inflammation such as pain, skin turgor and increased local temperature. The diagnosis considers the presence of tumor cell emboli in the lymph vessels in the dermis associated with clinical signs of inflammation. Due to the degree of local infiltration, signs of inflammation and the presence of lymph emboli, both human and veterinary patients have unfavorable prognosis. The IMC is poorly responsive to chemotherapy and due to its inflammation characteristics, in most cases, surgical removal is not recommended. Due to the aggressiveness of the IMC on women and bitches, poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options, this paper aims to describe the advances of therapeutic options beyond palliative care in current literature, as well as presenting a comparative approach considering the bitch as a study model for treating the disease in women.

El carcinoma inflamatorio de mama (CIM) es una neoplasia maligna de evolución rápida que tiene una baja incidencia tanto en perras como en mujeres. Es poco relatado por médicos veterinarios en Brasil, hecho que puede estar relacionado a la falta de conocimiento de la enfermedad, asociada a la necesidad de la relación de los hallazgos clínicos con examen histopatológico para el diagnóstico definitivo. Esta neoplasia también afecta a las glándulas mamarias de mujeres, lo que demuestra características clásicas de inflamación, como dolor, la turgencia de la piel y el aumento de la temperatura local. Para el diagnóstico definitivo se considera la presencia de émbolos de células tumorales en los canales dermis ganglios, asociados con los signos clínicos de inflamación. Debido al grado de infiltración local, los signos de inflamación y la presencia de embolias en el linfático, el paciente humano y veterinario presentan pronóstico desfavorable. El CIM es poco sensible a la quimioterapia y debido a las características de inflamación no presenta indicación quirúrgica en la mayoría de los casos. Debido a la agresividad del CIM en mujeres y perras, del pronóstico desfavorable y de las restrictas opciones terapéuticas, esa investigación tuvo como objetivo revisar el progreso de las opciones terapéuticas además del tratamiento paliativo en la literatura actual, allende presentar un enfoque comparativo, teniendo en cuenta que la perra es un modelo de estudios para la enfermedad en mujeres.

Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of oesophageal leiomyosarcoma in a dog / Aspectos clínico-patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um caso de leiomiossarcoma esofágico canino

Oesophageal leiomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of smooth muscle fibres that is infrequently reported in the literature. Because of the importance of definitive diagnosis and the low incidence of this tumour in dogs, it was reported a case of oesophageal leiomyosarcoma in a dog. A 13-year-old intact male Rottweiler presented regurgitation, hyporexia, and chronic weight loss. After an imaging examination, tumour in the thoracic oesophagus was suspected and a biopsy was sugested for definitive diagnosis. However, the owner did not permit the procedure. Six months after the clinical diagnosis, the patient was brought for evaluation of anorexia, apathy, and severe dyspnoea. Because of the patient's clinical signs and lack of response to emergency treatment, he was euthanized. Upon necropsy, it was identified the neoplastic formation, previously identified in the radiographic examination in the thoracic oesophagus, near the diaphragm. Histopathology revealed a proliferation of mesenchymal cells, and the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination. Despite the low incidence of oesophageal leiomyosarcoma, it should be included as a differential diagnosis for animals with chronic regurgitation.

O leiomiossarcoma esofágico é um neoplasma maligno das fibras musculares lisas pouco descrito na literatura e, devido à importância do seu diagnóstico definitivo e à baixa frequência desta neoplasia em cães, relata-se um caso de leiomiossarcoma em localização esofágica. Foi atendido um cão, 13 anos, Rottweiler, com histórico de regurgitação, hiporexia e perda de peso crônica. Após exames complementares de imagem, suspeitou-se de neoplasma localizado em esôfago torácico, no entanto, o proprietário optou por não realizar nenhum exame para o diagnóstico definitivo. Após seis meses do atendimento inicial, o animal retornou com anorexia, apatia e dispneia severa. Devido aos sinais clínicos apresentados e ausência de resposta ao tratamento emergencial instituído, optou-se pela eutanásia. Foi realizada a necropsia e, no esôfago torácico, próximo à região diafragmática, foi possível identificar a formação neoplásica anteriormente visualizada no exame radiográfico. O exame histopatológico revelou proliferação de células mesenquimais, sugestiva de leiomiossarcoma. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo exame imuno-histoquímico. Apesar da baixa frequência do leiomiossarcoma esofágico, animais que apresentam regurgitação crônica devem ser investigados quanto à possibilidade desse diagnóstico.

Pythiosis in sheep from Paraná, southern Brazil / Pitiose em ovinos no Paraná, Sul do Brasil

This paper reports pythiosis in a sheep from southwestern Paraná, Brazil, confirmed by indirect ELISA (Enzime-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and immunohistochemistry, as well as it describes the macro and microscopic injuries, in order to understand the pathogenicity. A 4-year-old ewe from a flock of 30 Santa Inês sheep, raised semi-extensively with access to a weir, showed cachexia, bilateral enlargement in nasal region, a serous and bloody secretion with a fetid odor from its nose and swollen submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Blood collection was performed trough jugular vein puncture in order to make complete blood cell count (CBC) and to obtain serum for the subsequent serological examination...

Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever um caso de pitiose confirmado por ELISA (Enzime-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) indireto e imuno-histoquímica em uma ovelha do sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil, bem como suas lesões macro e microscópicas, a fim de compreender a sua patogenicidade. Trata-se de um ovino, fêmea, de 4 anos de idade, de um rebanho de 30 animais, da raça Santa Inês, criados em sistema semiextensivo, com acesso à um açude. O animal vinha apresentando aumento de volume na região do focinho, associado a emagrecimento progressivo. No exame físico apresentou-se caquético, com aumento de volume bilateral na região nasal, e com uma secreção serosanguinolenta de odor fétido fluindo das narinas, além de possuir os linfonodos submandibulares e retrofaríngeos bilateralmente infartados. Foi realizada coleta de sangue por punção da veia jugular para realização do hemograma e obtenção do soro para posterior realização de exame sorológico....

Inflammatory effects of the toxic cyanobacterium Geitlerinema amphibium.

Toxic cyanobacteria in public water reservoirs may cause severe health issues for livestock and human beings. Geitlerinema amphibium, which is frequently found in São Paulo City's drinking water supplies, showed toxicity in the standard mouse bioassay, while displaying signs of intoxication and post-mortem findings different from those showed by animals intoxicated by known cyanotoxins. We report here the alterations caused by G. amphibium methanolic extract on mouse microcirculatory network, as seen by in vivo intravital microscopy, besides observations on leukocyte migration, cytokine quantitation, and results of toxicological essays. Our data showed that G. amphibium methanolic extract displayed time- and dose-dependent pro-inflammatory activity, and that at lower doses [125 and 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] increased the leukocyte rolling, caused partial venular stasis, as well as induced an increase in leukocyte counts in the peripheral blood and peritoneal washings. At higher doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w.), the extract caused ischemic injury leading to animal death. As confirmed by mass spectrometric studies and polymyxin B test, the G. amphibium methanolic extract did not contain lipopolysaccharides.

Haematological and immunological effects of repeated dose exposure of rats to integerrimine N-oxide from Senecio brasiliensis.

This study is the first in the literature to focus attention on the possible immunotoxic effect of integerrimine N-oxide content in the butanolic residue (BR) of Senecio brasiliensis, a poisonous hepatotoxic plant that contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs have been reported as a pasture and food contaminant and as herbal medicine used worldwide and are responsible for poisoning events in livestock and human beings. After the plant extraction, BR extracted from Senecio brasiliensis was found to contain approximately 70% integerrimine N-oxide by elemental and spectral analyses ((1)H and (13)C NMR), which was administered to adult male Wistar Hannover rats at doses of 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg for 28 days. Body weight gain, food consumption, lymphoid organs, neutrophil analysis, humoural immune response, cellular immune response and lymphocyte analysis were evaluated. Our study showed that integerrimine N-oxide could promote an impairment in the body weight gain, interference with blood cell counts and a reducing T cell proliferative activity in rats; however, no differences in the neutrophil activities, lymphocytes phenotyping and humoural and cellular immune responses were observed. It is concluded that doses of integerrimine N-oxide here employed did not produce marked immunotoxic effects.

Inflammatory effects of the toxic cyanobacterium Geitlerinema amphibium

Toxic cyanobacteria in public water reservoirs may cause severe health issues for livestock and human beings. Geitlerinema amphibium, which is frequently found in São Paulo City’s drinking water supplies, showed toxicity in the standard mouse bioassay, while displaying signs of intoxication and post-mortem findings different from those showed by animals intoxicated by known cyanotoxins. We report here the alterations caused by G. amphibium methanolic extract on mouse microcirculatory network, as seen by in vivo intravital microscopy, besides observations on leukocyte migration, cytokine quantitation, and results of toxicological essays. Our data showed that G. amphibium methanolic extract displayed time- and dose-dependent pro-inflammatory activity, and that at lower doses [125 and 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] increased the leukocyte rolling, caused partial venular stasis, as well as induced an increase in leukocyte counts in the peripheral blood and peritoneal washings. At higher doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w.), the extract caused ischemic injury leading to animal death. As confirmed by mass spectrometric studies and polymyxin B test, the G. amphibium methanolic extract did not contain lipopolysaccharides.

Carcinoma de células escamosas em bovinos, ovinos e eqüinos: estudo de 50 casos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Squamous cell carcinoma in cattle, sheep and horse: study of 50 cases in south of Rio Grande do Sul

O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) é um tumor maligno dosqueratinócitos. O desenvolvimento desse tipo de tumor está associadoa muitos fatores, incluindo a exposição prolongada à luz ultravioleta,falta de pigmento na epiderme, perda de pêlos ou cobertura de pêlosmuito esparsa nos locais afetados. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivodos casos de carcinoma de células escamosas em animais de produção(bovinos, ovinos e eqüinos) de 1978 a 2002. O material foi obtidonos arquivos do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdadede Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Os 50 tumores dotipo carcinoma de células escamosas estavam distribuídos nasdiferentes espécies (bovina: 30; ovina: sete e eqüina: 13). Dados comoraça, sexo, idade e localização corpórea, dentro de cada espécie, foramtabulados. Classificaram-se os tumores segundo seu grau demalignidade em bem diferenciados a pobremente diferenciados, através de avaliação histológica. A etiologia multifatorial dos cce emanimais de produção requer mais estudos retrospectivos e prospectivos, para determinar o papel de cada fator na patogênese desse neoplasma.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumour of keratinocytes.There are several factors associated with the development of squamouscell carcinoma, including prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, lackof a pigmented skin, lack of hair or a very sparse hair coat at the affected sites. A retrospective study of squamous cell carcinoma from1978 to 2002 in farm animals was made. The samples were obtainedat the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Veterinary School in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. The distribution of the neoplasm among the species was as follows: 30 in cattle, 7 in sheep and 13 in horses. Epidemiological data as breed, sex, age, and anatomical location of the tumors were statistically analyzed. The histological classification of the tumors graded from well differentiated to poorly differentiated. A multifactorial etiology of squamous cell carcinoma in farm animalsis suggested although more retrospective and prospective studies areneeded, to determine the role of each factor in the pathogenesis ofthe neoplasm.

Intoxicação experimental com frutos de Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) em suínos / Experimental poisoning by fruits of Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) in pigs

Frutos maduros, triturados, de Melia azedarach foram administrados misturados à ração a 8 suínos em doses únicas de 5-20g/kg. Diarréia passageira foi o único sinal nos 2 suínos que consumiram 5g/kg. Os sinais clínicos observados nos animais que ingeriram doses únicas de 10, 15 e 20g/kg caracterizaram-se por incoordenação, tremores musculares, dificuldade para manter-se de pé, relutância para levantar-se, decúbito esternal e hipotermia. Os 2 suínos que ingeriram 20g/kg morreram. Macroscopicamente observou-se congestão do intestino delgado e da mucosa do estômago. As alterações histológicas caracterizaram-se por discreta a moderada necrose do tecido linfático, necrose dos músculos esqueléticos, congestão e necrose da mucosa gástrica e do intestino delgado e alterações degenerativas moderadas no fígado e rim. Os níveis séricos de AST e CPK aumentaram após a ingestão do tóxico. Observaram-se valores altos de CPK nos animais que morreram, evidenciando a mionecrose. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que, para suínos, a ingestão de altas doses de frutos de Melia azedarach induz ao aparecimento de sinais clínicos da intoxicação e causa lesões em diversos órgãos, inclusive a morte.

Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae) / Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae)

Folhas de Ateleia glazioviana Baill., dessecadas em estufa a 100ºC por 16 a 20 horas, foram administradas a sete vacas sem raça definida. Duas vacas receberam 9 g/kg da planta seca aos 4 meses de gestação em dose única. Três vacas no 8º mês de gestação, receberam doses diárias de 1 a 2 g/kg da planta seca, perfazendo totais de 10, 21 e 28 g/kg. Duas outras, também no 8º mês de gestação, receberam a planta seca em dose única 15,5 e 18 g/kg. Duas vacas, no 4º mês de gestação, receberam 35 g/kg da planta verde, em dose única. A vaca que recebeu 21 g/kg da planta seca foi a única a apresentar sinais clínicos de intoxicação e o bezerro nasceu morto. As demais vacas não apresentaram sinais clínicos. Os bezerros das vacas que receberam a planta seca nas doses de 9, 15,5 e 28 g/kg, apresentaram sinais clínicos de debilidade, dificuldade de manter-se em pé e mamar e foram sacrificados. Macroscopicamente, no bezerro que nasceu morto, foram observados áreas esbranquiçadas e espessamento da parede do ventrículo cardíaco direito. Os demais bezerros que nasceram fracos foram sacrificados e não apresentaram lesões macroscópicas, com exceção do bezerro da vaca que recebeu a planta seca, na dose total de 28g/kg, que apresentou, também, espessamento da parede do ventrículo direito. As alterações histológicas do bezerro que nasceu morto e dos que foram sacrificados por apresentarem sinais clínicos de debilidade caracterizaram-se por tumefação e vacuolização de feixes de fibras musculares e proliferação de tecido fibroso entre os cardiomiócitos. Essas lesões são semelhantes às observadas em casos espontâneos da intoxicação. Os cardiomiócitos mostraram reação PAS positiva no sarcoplasma, mais acentuada do que no animal controle. No bezerro que nasceu morto foi observado, também, espongiose discreta na substância branca do cerebelo, colículos rostrais e tálamo. O estudo ultra-estrutural do coração revelou fibras cardíacas com acúmulos de gliocogênio, situados entre feixes de miofibrilas, os quais mostravam perda de miofilamentos e desaparecimento de sarcômeros inteiros. No animal controle a presença de glicogênio foi substancialmente menor do que nos animais intoxicados.

Meningoencefalite e encefalomalacia por Herpesvírus bovino-5: distribuição das lesões no sistema nervoso central de bovinos naturalmente infectados / Bovine herpesvirus type-5 meningoencephalitis and malacia: histological lesions distribution in the central nervous system of naturally infected cattle

Para determinar a distribuição das lesões histológicas que ocorrem no sistema nervoso central (SNC) de bovinos naturalmente infectados por herpesvírus bovino-5 (BHV-5) foram estudados 12 bovinos provenientes de 10 surtos da enfermidade diagnosticados pelo Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Faculdade de Veterinária da UFPel, entre 1986 e 2003. A epidemiologia, história clínica e evolução da enfermidade foram obtidas dos arquivos do LRD. Cortes do SNC foram realizados nos materiais conservados em formalina 10 por cento, abrangendo as regiões frontal, parietal, temporal e occipital do córtex telencefálico, cápsula interna e núcleos da base, tálamo, colículo rostral, ponte, pedúnculos cerebelares, cerebelo, bulbo na altura do óbex e medula cervical. As secções foram processadas rotineiramente e coradas por hematoxilina e eosina. Foram avaliadas a distribuição e intensidade das lesões inflamatórias e de malacia, que foram relacionadas com os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos da doença. Surtos da enfermidade foram observados em todas as estações ano. Foram afetados bovinos de 2 a 24 meses, de diferentes raças e de ambos os sexos. Macroscopicamente, foram observadas áreas amareladas e deprimidas no córtex telencefálico de cinco bovinos necropsiados. Adicionalmente, essas lesões foram observadas no tálamo, núcleos da base e cápsula interna de dois bovinos. Congestão e hemorragias multifocais foram observadas na maioria dos casos. Em todos os bovinos estudados a lesão histológica caracterizou-se por meningoencefalite não-supurativa observada em todas os cortes, porém mais acentuada no córtex frontal. Areas de malacia focal ou difusa com presença de células "Gitter" foram observadas em todas as regiões do córtex cerebral e nos núcleos da base, cápsula interna e tálamo. Em alguns casos, lesões discretas de malacia foram observadas no colículo rostral, ponte, bulbo, cerebelo e medula cervical. Corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares foram encontrados em todos os casos estudados nas diferentes regiões do córtex cerebral, preferentemente em áreas que apresentavam lesões inflamatórias e de malacia discretas a moderadas. Em dois casos estes corpúsculos foram observados, também, nos núcleos da base e tálamo. Foi observado que a intensidade das lesões histológicas não é proporcional ao curso clínico da enfermidade. A presença de lesões de malacia em diferentes regiões do SNC, aspecto não mencionado na maioria dos trabalhos anteriores sobre a doença, pode...

Intoxication of cattle by the fruits of Melia azedarach.

Melia azedarach fruits were administered at single doses ranging from 5 to 30 g/kg bw to 10 calves. The animals dosed with 25 g/kg bw and 30 g/ kg bw died, as well as 1/2 cattle that received 15 g/kg bw. Clinical signs were depression, ruminal stasis, anorexia, diarrhea, incoordination, muscle tremors, difficulty to stand, sternal recumbence, hypothermia and dyspnea. Serum AST and CPK were increased. Signs appeared 4 to 24 h after dosing and the clinical manifestations continued for 20 to 72 h. Macroscopic findings included congestion of the intestine, focal or diffuseyellow discoloration of the liver, and brain congestion. LiQuid content was in rumen, reticulum and intestines. The liver had swollen and vacuolated hepatocytes, and necrotic hepatocytes were scattered throughout the parenchyma or concentrated in the periacinar zone. Degenerative and necrotic changes were in the epithelium of the forestomachs. There was also necrosis of lymphoid tissue. Skeletal muscles had hyaline degeneration and fiber necrosis.