Use of Limestone Sludge in the Preparation of É©-Carrageenan/Alginate-Based Films.

The use of processed limestone sludge as a crosslinking agent for films based on Na-alginate and É©-carrageenan/Na-alginate blends was studied. Sorbitol was tested as a plasticizer. The produced gel formulations included alginate/sorbitol and carrageenan/alginate/sorbitol mixtures, with tested sorbitol concentrations of 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%. The limestone sludge waste obtained from the processing of quarried limestone was converted into an aqueous solution of Ca2+ by dissolution with mineral acid. This solution was then diluted in water and used to induce gel crosslinking. The necessity of using sorbitol as a component of the crosslinking solution was also assessed. The resulting films were characterized regarding their dimensional stability, microstructure, chemical structure, mechanical performance and antifungal properties. Alginate/sorbitol films displayed poor dimensional stability and were deemed not viable. Carrageenan/alginate/sorbitol films exhibited higher dimensional stability and smooth and flat surfaces, especially in compositions with 0.5 wt% sorbitol. However, an increasing amount of plasticizer appears to result in severe surface cracking, the development of a segregation phenomenon affecting carrageenan and an overall decrease in films' mechanical resistance. Although further studies regarding film composition-including plasticizer fraction, film optimal thickness and film/mold material interaction-are mandatory, the attained results show the potential of the reported É©-carrageenan/alginate/sorbitol films to be used towards the development of viable films derived from algal polysaccharides.

Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.

Microbiomes have highly important roles for ecosystem functioning and carry out key functions that support planetary health, including nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water filtration. Microbiomes are also intimately associated with complex multicellular organisms such as humans, other animals, plants, and insects and perform crucial roles for the health of their hosts. Although we are starting to understand that microbiomes in different systems are interconnected, there is still a poor understanding of microbiome transfer and connectivity. In this review we show how microbiomes are connected within and transferred between different habitats and discuss the functional consequences of these connections. Microbiome transfer occurs between and within abiotic (e.g., air, soil, and water) and biotic environments, and can either be mediated through different vectors (e.g., insects or food) or direct interactions. Such transfer processes may also include the transmission of pathogens or antibiotic resistance genes. However, here, we highlight the fact that microbiome transmission can have positive effects on planetary and human health, where transmitted microorganisms potentially providing novel functions may be important for the adaptation of ecosystems.

Copper Toxicity in Horses: Does it Exist?

Copper toxicity is thought to be a rare condition in horses. However, the number of cases diagnosed in Brazil is growing. This article aims to describe cases of copper toxicity involving horses from different geographic locations and discuss findings of physical examinations, differential diagnoses and potential causes. Five cases referred from 4 different properties where at least 15 other horses were affected were described. Hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria, presence of Heinz bodies and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and gamaglutamil transferase levels were detected in all cases. The diagnosis was based on clinical history and signs, laboratory tests results, copper level determination in feed and/or soil and histopathological findings. Two horses progressed to acute death; remaining horses responded to clinical management with or without blood transfusion, depending on disease severity. However, one of these horses, after several returns to the veterinary hospital, was euthanized due to complications. One horse was treated with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. Two horses had several recurring episodes over the course of several months, an uncommon presentation in ruminants suffering from copper toxicity. Excess copper was associated with soil fertilization with poultry litter or treatment of previous or neighbor crops with copper-containing products. It can be concluded that copper toxicity does occur in horses and may arise from several sources and/or be associated with predisposing dietary factors. Given the growing number of cases, the condition should be included in the differential diagnosis list and proper preventive dietary and pasture fertilization measures adopted.

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history.

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.(AU)

Factors that can influence the survival rates of coral snakes (Micrurus corallinus) for antivenom production.

Envenoming and deaths resulting from snakebites are a particularly important public health problem in rural tropical areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and New Guinea. In 2015, The Lancet highlighted snake-bite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and urged the world to increase antivenom production. In Brazil, around 20,000 snakebites occur per year affecting mostly agricultural workers and children, of which 1% is caused by coral snakes (Micrurus sp.). Although human envenoming by coral snakes is relatively rare due to their semifossorial habits and nonaggressive behavior, they are always considered severe due to the neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemorrhagic, and cardiovascular actions of their venom, which is highly toxic when compared to the venom of other Brazilian venomous snakes as Bothrops sp. (pit vipers), Crotalus sp. (rattlesnakes), and Lachesis sp. (bushmasters). The production of antivenom serum is an important public health issue worldwide and the maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity essential to obtain high-quality venom. Though more than 30 species of Brazilian coral snakes exist, the specific antivenom serum produced with the venom of two species, Micrurus corallinus and M. frontalis, is able to neutralize the accidents caused by the genus in general. M. corallinus is considered a difficult species to maintain in captivity and concerned about this difficulty the Laboratory of Herpetology (LH) at Instituto Butantan, over the last 10 yr, has given special attention to its maintenance in captivity. In more than 20 yr of maintenance, LH has made some changes to improve Micrurus captive husbandry and welfare. The objective of this study was to verify the factors influencing the survival rates of coral snakes in captivity through data generated from 289 M. corallinus from the LH snake facility in the last 10 yr. We observed that survival rates increased significantly with the improvement of nutritional adequacy that included freezing food items before offering them to coral snakes, as well as the development of a new pasty diet to force-feed anorexic animals. Another important factor responsible for increasing life expectancy was the shift of the cage's substrate from Sphagnum to bark in 2010, aiding in the eradication of Blister Disease, which used to be responsible for the death of several coral snakes in previous years.

Evaluation of the racial difference in body condition score and parameters of lipid metabolism in Purebred Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses trained for racing / Avaliação da diferença racial na condição de escore corporal e parâmetros do metabolismo lipídico em cavalos Puro Sangue Árabes e Puro Sangue Ingleses treinados para corrida

This study investigated the existence of difference of fat deposition and lipid metabolism in horses with different races and skills that were used for the same kind of sport. 20 Purebred Arabian and 20 Thoroughbred horses trained for flat race were evaluated. The analyses performed were body condition score, weight and blood collected for determination of triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Ultrasonography of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer was performed on the Longissimus dorsi muscle between the 17th and 18th rib, the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer on the Gluteus medius muscle using the acetabulum as reference, and the cross section of the same muscle. Race-trained Arabian horses showed greater fat layer deposition in the Gluteus medius and Longissimus dorsei muscles than Thoroughbred horses. These facts indicate that there is a metabolic difference, besides the phenotype, between the races. They also indicate the need to study specific physical conditioning programs for each kind of race.(AU)

Foi investigada a existência de diferença na deposição de gordura e no metabolismo lipídico em cavalos de duas raças distintas, com aptidões diferentes, porém, utilizadas para o mesmo esporte. Foram avaliados 20 cavalos Puro Sangue Árabe e 20 cavalos Puro Sangue Ingleses treinados para corrida. As avaliações foram escore de condição corporal, peso e colheita de sangue para determinação de triglicerídeos, colesterol total e ácidos graxos não esterificados. Foi realizada a ultrassonografia da espessura de camada de gordura subcutânea sobre o músculo Longissimus dorsi entre a 17º e 18º costela, a espessura de camada de gordura subcutânea sobre o músculo glúteo médio utilizando o acetábulo como referência e o corte transversal do mesmo músculo. Os cavalos Árabes de corrida apresentaram maior deposição de gordura na camada subcutânea dos músculos glúteo médio e Longissimus dorsei que os cavalos Puro Sangue Ingleses. Tais fatos indicam uma diferença racial que o treinamento, ainda que semelhante a todos, não foi capaz de igualar.(AU)

Evolution of equine influenza viruses (H3N8) during a Brazilian outbreak, 2015

Abstract Equine influenza is one of the major respiratory infectious diseases in horses. An equine influenza virus outbreak was identified in vaccinated and unvaccinated horses in a veterinary school hospital in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, in September 2015. The twelve equine influenza viruses isolated belonged to Florida Clade 1. The hemagglutinin and neuraminidase amino acid sequences were compared with the recent isolates from North and South America and the World Organisation for Animal Health recommended Florida Clade 1 vaccine strain. The hemagglutinin amino acid sequences had nine substitutions, compared with the vaccine strain. Two of them were in antigenic site A (A138S and G142R), one in antigenic site E (R62K) and another not in antigenic site (K304E). The four substitutions changed the hydrophobicity of hemagglutinin. Three distinct genetic variants were identified during the outbreak. Eleven variants were found in four quasispecies, which suggests the equine influenza virus evolved during the outbreak. The use of an out of date vaccine strain or updated vaccines without the production of protective antibody titers might be the major contributing factors on virus dissemination during this outbreak.

Examination of biochemical and biological activities of Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes: Viperidae; Wied-Neuwied 1824) snake venom after up to 54 years of storage.

The number of snakes donated to the Brazilian Instituto Butantan has been decreasing in the past 10 years. This circumstance motivated us to compare the properties of five venom pools of Bothrops jararaca snake stored for up to 54 years. Results showed differences among venom pools regarding enzymatic and other biological activities, such as caseinolytic, phospholipase A2, hemorrhagic and coagulant activities, as well as antigenicity. Protein content, reverse-phase chromatographic profile, and immunorecognition by commercial Bothrops antivenom were comparable for all venom pools, although lethality of the most recent preparations was higher. Since the lowest functional activities did not always correspond to older venoms, differences among venom pools used for antivenom production during the period 1963-2008 may correlate with the different proportions of venoms from different localities used in their generation, rather than to long-term storage. We conclude that B. jararaca venoms properly stored for long periods of time retain their structural and pharmacological activities, thus representing useful materials for scientific research and antivenom production.

Evolution of equine influenza viruses (H3N8) during a Brazilian outbreak, 2015.

Equine influenza is one of the major respiratory infectious diseases in horses. An equine influenza virus outbreak was identified in vaccinated and unvaccinated horses in a veterinary school hospital in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, in September 2015. The twelve equine influenza viruses isolated belonged to Florida Clade 1. The hemagglutinin and neuraminidase amino acid sequences were compared with the recent isolates from North and South America and the World Organisation for Animal Health recommended Florida Clade 1 vaccine strain. The hemagglutinin amino acid sequences had nine substitutions, compared with the vaccine strain. Two of them were in antigenic site A (A138S and G142R), one in antigenic site E (R62K) and another not in antigenic site (K304E). The four substitutions changed the hydrophobicity of hemagglutinin. Three distinct genetic variants were identified during the outbreak. Eleven variants were found in four quasispecies, which suggests the equine influenza virus evolved during the outbreak. The use of an out of date vaccine strain or updated vaccines without the production of protective antibody titers might be the major contributing factors on virus dissemination during this outbreak.

Examination of biochemical and biological activities of Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes: Viperidae; Wied-Neuwied 1824) snake venom after up to 54 years of storage

The number of snakes donated to the Brazilian Instituto Butantan has been decreasing in the past 10 years. This circumstance motivated us to compare the properties of five venom pools of Bothrops jararaca snake stored for up to 54 years. Results showed differences among venom pools regarding enzymatic and other biological activities, such as caseinolytic, phospholipase A(2,) hemorrhagic and coagulant activities, as well as antigenicity. Protein content, reverse-phase chromatographic profile, and immunorecognition by commercial Bothrops antivenom were comparable for all venom pools, although lethality of the most recent preparations was higher. Since the lowest functional activities did not always correspond to older venoms, differences among venom pools used for antivenom production during the period 1963-2008 may correlate with the different proportions of venoms from different localities used in their generation, rather than to long-term storage. We conclude that B. jararaca venoms properly stored for long periods of time retain their structural and pharmacological activities, thus representing useful materials for scientific research and antivenom production.

Examination of biochemical and biological activities of Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes: Viperidae; Wied-Neuwied 1824) snake venom after up to 54 years of storage

The number of snakes donated to the Brazilian Instituto Butantan has been decreasing in the past 10 years. This circumstance motivated us to compare the properties of five venom pools of Bothrops jararaca snake stored for up to 54 years. Results showed differences among venom pools regarding enzymatic and other biological activities, such as caseinolytic, phospholipase A(2,) hemorrhagic and coagulant activities, as well as antigenicity. Protein content, reverse-phase chromatographic profile, and immunorecognition by commercial Bothrops antivenom were comparable for all venom pools, although lethality of the most recent preparations was higher. Since the lowest functional activities did not always correspond to older venoms, differences among venom pools used for antivenom production during the period 1963-2008 may correlate with the different proportions of venoms from different localities used in their generation, rather than to long-term storage. We conclude that B. jararaca venoms properly stored for long periods of time retain their structural and pharmacological activities, thus representing useful materials for scientific research and antivenom production.

Experimental infection of horses with Rickettsia rickettsii.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsia rickettsii is vectored by ticks, and some vertebrate hosts can be sources of infection to ticks during bacteremic periods. In Brazil, the main vector for R. rickettsii is the tick Amblyomma sculptum, a member of the A. cajennense complex. Horses, in turn, are one of the major hosts for A. sculptum. In this study, horses experimentally infected with R. rickettsii were assessed for clinical changes and their capability to transmit the infection to A. sculptum ticks. METHODS: Four horses were infected with R. rickettsii through either intraperitoneal injection or infestation with R. rickettsii-infected A. sculptum ticks. Simultaneously, the animals were infested with non-infected A. sculptum ticks. The horses were monitored for 30 days by clinical examination, hematological and biochemical tests, real-time PCR of blood for the detection of Rickettsia, and inoculation of blood in guinea pigs. IgG antibody titers were followed until the horses have shown seronegativity or until the end of the experiment. Uninfected ticks that fed on horses were subjected to real-time PCR and/or were fed on susceptible rabbits. RESULTS: The horses showed no clinical, hematological or blood biochemical alterations, and bacteremia was not detected by real-time PCR or by inoculation of horse blood into guinea pigs. Anti-R. rickettsii antibodies were detected in horses from 10 days to 2 years after infection. Uninfected ticks, after feeding on infected horses, showed 2.1 % positivity in real-time PCR, but failed to transmit the infection to rabbits at a next feeding stage. CONCLUSIONS: Rickettsia rickettsii-infected horses did not manifest illness and are not competent amplifier hosts of R. rickettsii for A. sculptum ticks.

Post-ride inflammatory markers in endurance horses / Marcadores inflamatórios em cavalos após enduro

ABSTRACT: The acute phase reaction occurs in response to diseases, surgical trauma and can happen after strenuous exercise, like long distance events. This study aimed to evaluate the Serum Amyloid A (SAA), pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1β and TNFα) and creatine phosphokinase (CK) after free speed races like physical stress markers in endurance horses. Blood of 21 trained horses that competed in tests of 80, 120 and 160km, was taken before and after race. There was a significant increase in CK and SAA after the race in all horses, as well as the anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-10. But when results were compared between the groups, only the SAA was different, being higher in 160km horses. There was no change in pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1β and TNFα before and after the event; however, the TNFα was higher in 160km horses after the race. Based on data obtained in this study it was concluded that stress is more dependent on the distance than speed imposed and that SAA is a good marker of physical effort, since it is accompanied by other markers well established as CK. Interleukins are not a good markers since they did not change significantly.

RESUMO: A reação de fase aguda da inflamação ocorre como resposta a doenças, traumas cirúrgicos e pode acontecer após exercício físico extenuante, como provas de longa distância. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o Amiloide A Sérico (SAA), interleucinas pró-inflamatórias e a enzima creatinafosfoquinase (CK) após provas de velocidade livre como marcadores de esforço físico em cavalos de enduro. Utilizou-se sangue de 21 cavalos devidamente treinados, que competiram em provas de 80, 120 e 160km, colhido antes e depois da prova. Houve aumento significativo em CK e SAA após a prova em todos os cavalos, assim como da interleucina anti-inflamatória IL-10. Porém, quando os resultados foram comparados entre os grupos, somente a SAA apresentou diferença, sendo maior nos cavalos de 160km. Não foi observada alteração nas interleucinas pró-inflamatórias IL-1β e TNFα antes e depois da prova, todavia, o TNFα foi maior nos cavalos de 160km após a prova. Baseado nos dados obtidos neste estudo, conclui-se que o esforço é dependente da distância percorrida e não da velocidade imposta e que a SAA é um bom marcador de esforço físico, desde que acompanhada de outros marcadores já consagrados, como a CK. As interleucinas não se apresentaram bons marcadores, já que não sofreram alterações significativas.

Índices e dimensões ecocardiográficas de equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador / Echocardiographic indexes and dimension in horses of the Mangalarga Marchador breed

Com o objetivo de determinar os valores de referência ecocardiográficos de equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, foram avaliados 80 equinos desta raça, machos e fêmeas, com 1,6 a 16 anos de idade, pesando entre 320 a 500 kg, divididos igualmente em 4 grupos: fêmeas de 1,6 a 4 anos de idade (G1), fêmeas com mais de 4 anos de idade (G2), machos de 1,6 a 4 anos de idade (G3), machos com mais de 4 anos de idade (G4). A avaliação constou de exame ecocardiográfico mono e bidimensional, tendo sido realizados através da janela cardíaca direita, nos modos B e M: DIVDs, DIVDd, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, DIVEd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Aod, FS%, EF%, AEs, Aod, Aes/ Aod, ponto E-S. Através da janela cardíaca esquerda nos modos B e M: DIVEs, DIVEd, FS%, EF%, AEs. Foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre as médias dos quatro grupos dos seguintes parâmetros: Aod, AEs, DIVDs, DIVDd, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, DIVEd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Vs, Vd e correlações estatísticas positivas entre Aod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, PLVEs, PLVEd, Vd e a idade, entreAod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEd, PLVEs, AEs/Aod e o peso e o perímetro torácico e entre Aod, AEs, SIVs, SIVd, DIVEs, PLVEs, Vd e a altura da cernelha. Houve influência tanto do sexo como da faixa etária sobre os valores de referência para equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, tendo os machos acima de 4 anos apresentados valores de medidas ventriculares maiores. O peso, altura e idade dos animais influenciaram da mesma forma os resultados, estando todos relacionados positivamente ao tamanho da estrutura cardíaca.(AU)

Aiming to establish the echocardiographic reference values of cardiac dimensions and indexes in horses of the Mangalarga Marchador breed, 80 horses, weighing 320 to 500 kg, that were divided in four group by gender and age, as follows: 1.6 to 4-year-old females (G1), more than 4-year-old females (G2), 1.6 to 4-year-old males (G3) and above 4-year-old males (G4), were evaluated by standardized technique. The evaluation consisted of B-mode and guided M-mode echocardiography, by which the following measurements were made: from the right cardiac window, by B- and M-mode: systolic and diastolic RVID, IVS, LVID, LVFW, Aod, FS% and EF%, by B-mode: Las, Aod, and Las/Aod, by M-mode: S-E point, from left cardiac window, by B- and M-mode: LVIDs, LVIDd, FS% and EF% and by B-mode: Las. There were statistic differences between means of the four groups for the following parameters: Aod, Las, RVIDs, RVIDd, IVSs, IVSd, LVIDs, LVIDd, LVFWs, LVFWd, Vs, Vd. There were statistic correlations between Aod, Las, IVSs, IVSd, LVFWs, LVFWd, Vd and age; Aod, Las, IVs, IVSd, LVIDd, LVFWs, Las/Aod and bodyweight and thoracic perimeter; and Aod, LAs, IVSs, IVSd, LVIDs, LVFWs, Vd and height. Sex and age group influenced the reference values for the Mangalarga Marchador horses; males above 4 years presented higher ventricular measurement values. Height, weight and age of the horses influenced in the same way the results, all being positively related to the size of the cardiac structure.(AU)

Occurrence of gastric ulcers in horses exercised on a treadmill / Ocorrência de úlceras gástricas em cavalos exercitados em esteira rolante

ABSTRACT: The most frequently causes of gastric ulcers in horses are fasting, feeding type and management, as well as administration of certain medications. More recently, exercise has also been identified as an important factor in the development of gastric lesions in athlete horses. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether treadmill exercise predisposes the horses to the occurrence of gastric ulcers. Five Arabian horses underwent a twelve-week training period on a treadmill and a gastroscopic evaluation before and after the training period. All animals showed gastric lesions after the training period. Based on these results, it is concluded that Arabian horses undergoing exercise on a treadmill may develop gastric lesions varying in number and severity.

RESUMO: As causas mais frequentes de úlceras gástricas em cavalos são jejum, tipo de alimentação e manejo, bem como a administração de alguns medicamentos. Mais recentemente, o exercício também foi identificado como um fator importante no desenvolvimento das lesões gástricas em cavalos atletas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar se o exercício em esteira rolante predispõe os cavalos à ocorrência de úlceras gástricas. Cinco cavalos árabes foram submetidos a um período de doze semanas de treinamento em esteira rolante e a avaliação gastroscópica antes e após o período de treinamento. Todos os animais apresentaram lesões gástricas após o treinamento. Com base nesses resultados, conclui-se que cavalos árabes submetidos a exercício em esteira rolante podem desenvolver lesões gástricas em número e gravidade variados.

Combined venomics, venom gland transcriptomics, bioactivities, and antivenomics of two Bothrops jararaca populations from geographic isolated regions within the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.

Bothrops jararaca is a slender and semi-arboreal medically relevant pit viper species endemic to tropical and subtropical forests in southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina (Misiones). Within its geographic range, it is often abundant and is an important cause of snakebite. Although no subspecies are currently recognized, geographic analyses have revealed the existence of two well-supported B. jararaca clades that diverged during the Pliocene ~3.8Mya and currently display a southeastern (SE) and a southern (S) Atlantic rainforest (Mata Atlântica) distribution. The spectrum, geographic variability, and ontogenetic changes of the venom proteomes of snakes from these two B. jararaca phylogroups were investigated applying a combined venom gland transcriptomic and venomic analysis. Comparisons of the venom proteomes and transcriptomes of B. jararaca from the SE and S geographic regions revealed notable interpopulational variability that may be due to the different levels of population-specific transcriptional regulation, including, in the case of the southern population, a marked ontogenetic venom compositional change involving the upregulation of the myotoxic PLA2 homolog, bothropstoxin-I. This population-specific marker can be used to estimate the proportion of venom from the southern population present in the B. jararaca venom pool used for the Brazilian soro antibotrópico (SAB) antivenom production. On the other hand, the southeastern population-specific D49-PLA2 molecules, BinTX-I and BinTX-II, lend support to the notion that the mainland ancestor of Bothrops insularis was originated within the same population that gave rise to the current SE B. jararaca phylogroup, and that this insular species endemic to Queimada Grande Island (Brazil) expresses a pedomorphic venom phenotype. Mirroring their compositional divergence, the two geographic B. jararaca venom pools showed distinct bioactivity profiles. However, the SAB antivenom manufactured in Vital Brazil Institute neutralized the lethal effect of both venoms to a similar extent. In addition, immobilized SAB antivenom immunocaptured most of the venom components of the venoms of both B. jararaca populations, but did not show immunoreactivity against vasoactive peptides. The Costa Rican bothropic-crotalic-lachesic (BCL) antivenom showed the same lack of reactivity against vasoactive peptides but, in addition, was less efficient immunocapturing PI- and PIII-SVMPs from the SE venom, and bothropstoxin-I, a CRISP molecule, and a D49-PLA2 from the venom of the southern B. jararaca phylogroup. The remarkable paraspecificity exhibited by the Brazilian and the Costa Rican antivenoms indicates large immunoreactive epitope conservation across the natural history of Bothrops, a genus that has its roots in the middle Miocene. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Omics Evolutionary Ecolog.

Ontogenetic Variation in Biological Activities of Venoms from Hybrids between Bothrops erythromelas and Bothrops neuwiedi Snakes.

Lance-headed snakes are found in Central and South America, and they account for most snakebites in Brazil. The phylogeny of South American pitvipers has been reviewed, and the presence of natural and non-natural hybrids between different species of Bothrops snakes demonstrates that reproductive isolation of several species is still incomplete. The present study aimed to analyze the biological features, particularly the thrombin-like activity, of venoms from hybrids born in captivity, from the mating of a female Bothrops erythromelas and a male Bothrops neuwiedi, two species whose venoms are known to display ontogenetic variation. Proteolytic activity on azocoll and amidolytic activity on N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide hydrochloride (BAPNA) were lowest when hybrids were 3 months old, and increased over body growth, reaching values similar to those of the father when hybrids were 12 months old. The clotting activity on plasma diminished as hybrids grew; venoms from 3- and 6-months old hybrids showed low clotting activity on fibrinogen (i.e., thrombin-like activity), like the mother venom, and such activity was detected only when hybrids were older than 1 year of age. Altogether, these results point out that venom features in hybrid snakes are genetically controlled during the ontogenetic development. Despite the presence of the thrombin-like enzyme gene(s) in hybrid snakes, they are silenced during the first six months of life.

Influência da altitude sobre parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, obtidos por meio do uso do "Holter" em cavalos de enduro em diferentes níveis de condicionamento físico / Influence of altitude on electrocardiographic parameters by means of the Holter system utilization in endurance horses in different levels of physical conditioning

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo o estudo da influência da altitude sobre os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos obtidos por meio do uso do Holter em 40 cavalos das raças Árabe e Cruza Árabe, em diferentes níveis de condicionamento físico, realizando treinamento em trilhas de 15 km de extensão com velocidade média de 15km/h e variando entre o nível do mar até 1700m de altitude. O monitoramento eletrocardiográfico foi obtido por eletrocardiografia padrão em repouso antes do exercício e por eletrocardiografia dinâmica, com o uso do Holter, durante o exercício e na recuperação pós-exercício. Os animais apresentaram ritmo sinusal com período médio gravado para taquicardia sinusal (32%) e bradicardia sinusal (14%). Entre as arritmias observadas estão o bloqueio atrioventricular de primeiro grau (20%) e o bloqueio atrioventricular de segundo grau (5%). As arritmias ectópicas supraventriculares foram observadas em dois animais e somente um animal apresentou arritmia ventricular. O número de assistolias foi maior em animais menos condicionados. As frequências cardíacas médias e máximas sofreram efeito da altitude com valores maiores em altitude elevada.(AU)

The aim of this paper was to study the influence of altitude on electrocardiographic parameters by means of the Holter system in 40 Arabian and Arabian crossbred horses, at different levels of physical conditioning, during training in trails of 15 km extension with mean speed of 15 km/h, and altitude varying from sea level to 1700m high. The electrocardiographic monitoring was obtained by standard electrocardiography at rest before exercise, and by dynamic electrocardiography with the Holter system applied during exercise and in post-exercise recovery. The animals presented sinusal rhythm, with a mean registered period for sinusal tachycardia of 32%, and 14% for sinusal bradycardia. Among the arrhythmias there was first-degree atrioventricular block (20%) and second-degree atrioventricular block (5%). Supraventricular ectopic arrhythmias were observed in two horses and only one showed ventricular arrhythmia. The number of asystoles was greater in less conditioned horses. Mean and maximal heart rates were influenced by altitude, with higher values in higher altitudes.(AU)