Supplementation with long-acting injectable progesterone 3 days after TAI impaired luteal function in buffaloes.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of long-acting injectable progesterone (iP4) in buffalo cows. In Experiment 1, ovariectomized buffaloes received 300 mg (iP300) or 600 mg (iP600) of iP4, and serum P4 concentrations were evaluated. In experiment 2, three groups were compared: control or administration of 300 mg of iP4 3 (iP4-D3) or 6 days (iP4-D6) after timed artificial insemination (TAI). On day 16, reproductive tract was recovered for conceptus, endometrium, and corpus luteum (CL) analysis. In experiment 3, pregnancy per AI (P/TAI) and proportion of pregnancy losses were evaluated after administration of 300 mg of iP4 3 (iP4-D3) or 6 days (iP4-D6) after TAI in lactating buffaloes. In experiment 1, serum P4 concentrations remained over 1 ng/mL for ~ 3 days in both groups. The 300 mg dose was used in subsequent experiments. In experiment 2, CL weight and endometrial glands density were decreased, and conceptus length was increased in iP4-D3 compared to control and to iP4-D6 (P < 0.05). Transcript abundance of Prostaglandin F Receptor (FP) and ISG15 in CL and of ISG15 and MX1 in endometrium was greater in iP4-D3 when compared to control and to iP4-D6 (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, there was no difference among experimental groups for P/TAI at D30 and pregnancy losses (P > 0.1); however, iP4-D3 presented a lower P/TAI at day 60 (41.7%) when compared to control (56.8%) and iP4-D6 (57.7%; P = 0.07). In conclusion, administration iP4 at 3 days after TAI affects CL development and consequently decreases final pregnancy outcome in buffaloes.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals a new introduction of Yellow Fever virus in São Paulo State, Brazil, 2023.

Yellow Fever (YF) is a viral arbovirosis of Public Health importance. In Brazil, surveillance is focused mainly on detecting epizootic events of Platyrrhini. Herein, we compared the detection and phylogenetic analysis of YF virus in two neotropical primates (NTP), a Callithrix detected in the previous epidemic period (2016-2020), and a Callicebus nigrifons, showing a new introduction of YF in 2023. This paper illustrates the importance of joint actions of laboratory and field teams to ensure quick response to Public Health emergencies, such as the intensification of vaccination of susceptible human populations.

Naturally Acquired Rabies in White-Eared Opossum, Brazil.

Opossums are considered resistant to rabies. Nonhematophagous bats are reservoirs of rabies in urban areas of South America. We analyzed bats and opossums tested for rabies during 2021 in a highly urbanized city in Brazil to understand spillover in an urban setting. Wildlife surveillance is necessary to prevent rabies in humans and domestic animals.

Immediate Effect of Hoof Trimming on Hoof and Thoracic Joint Angles in Mangalarga Mares.

It is important to understand the effects of hoof trimming on hoof and limb conformation to maximize its benefits on the health of the appendicular skeleton of horses, thus promoting improvements in athletic performance and sporting longevity with regard to athletic horses. There is little information on possible changes in the angulation of the thoracic limb joints after hoof trimming and correlations between the angulation of the thoracic limb joints with hoof measurements. To that purpose, nineteen Mangalarga mares received routine hoof trimming. Visual recordings (photographs) were taken before and after the procedure. Differences (p < 0.05) were found in hoof length, toe angle, heel angle, medial heel height, and metacarpophalangeal angle. Before trimming, correlations were found between frog length and scapulohumeral angle (SH) (r = -0.457; p = 0.049), and between toe length and shoulder-ground angle (SG) (r = -0.553; p = 0.049). A correlation was also seen between the distance from the frog to the lateral wall and the SH angle (r = 0.690; p = 0.001). After trimming, there was a correlation between humeroradial (HR) and SH joint angles (r = 0.669; p = 0.002), and the SG and SH angles (r = 0.488; p = 0.034). This study showed an immediate effect of trimming on the toe angle and heel angle and on the metacarpophalangeal joint angle, in addition to correlations between the hoof and proximal joint angles, following trimming, thus evidencing the relevance of trimming not only in hoof morphology, but also in the conformation of the appendicular skeleton of horses.

Canine distemper virus and canine adenovirus type 1 co-infection in a free-living hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) from Brazil.

The present case is the first description of a co-infection with canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) in a free-living hoary fox pup from Brazil. The animal was found and rescued with poor body condition, dehydration, incoordination, ataxia, excessive vocalization, and "blue eyes" phenomenon. Despite the efforts, euthanasia was elected due to worsening clinical signs and poor prognosis. Pathologic examination revealed a mild, acute, random, necrotizing hepatitis, acute bronchopneumonia, hydrocephalus, corneal edema with epithelium degeneration, and acidophilic intracytoplasmatic inclusion bodies in different epithelial cells types with rare syncytial. Through immunohistochemistry, CDV antigen was observed in the tongue, trachea, lungs, liver, spleen, stomach, intestine and urinary bladder. Adenovirus antigen was identified in the nucleus of scattered hepatocytes. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing demonstrated high similarity with CAdV-1 and wild-type strain of CDV close related to Brazilian viral lineages isolated from domestic dogs. Disease surveillance in wildlife animals is essential to assess possible conservation threats and consider the implementation of mitigation or control measures.

Disseminated Mucor indicus infection in a marmoset (Callithrix sp.).

Mucormycosis is rarely described in Platyrrhines. Herein, we describe the pathologic and molecular features of a gastric and hepatic infection by Mucor indicus in a marmoset (Callithrix sp.).

Cost of transport, but not gluteus medius and red blood cells monocarboxylate-transporters density differentiated Brazilian Sport Horses at two performance levels.

Cost of transport (COT) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) could affect the ability to perform fast actions during a jumping discipline. This study aimed to compare the COT and evaluate the MCT1, MCT4, and their auxiliary protein CD147 content in the gluteus medius and RBCs of Brazilian sport horses (BH), a breed developed for jumping competitions, with low-level (LL) or intermediate-level (IL) jumping capacities. The physiological difference between the horses was assessed by an incremental jump test (IJT), in which the cost of lactate (COTLAC) and heart rate (COTHR) of running were determined for each animal by the ratio between each variable and the running speed. Western blotting was performed on muscle and RBC membranes to quantify MCT1, MCT4, and CD147. IL showed lower COTLAC and COTHR than LL at all jumping heights. The amount of MCT1, MCT4, and CD147 found in muscle and RBCs were not dependent on performance level. Muscle MCT4 and MCT1 were correlated positively with CD147. We conclude that the relatively small differences between performances did not relevantly influence MCT expression in BH. While MCT analyses are inaccessible for most trainers and veterinarians, the cost of transport measurements is a feasible and sensitive tool to distinguish intermediate and low-level jumping horses.

Lack of effect of melatonin on ovarian function and response to estrous synchronization and fixed-time AI during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The present study was conducted to examine whether pretreatment with melatonin would enhance ovarian follicular functions and increase response to estrous synchronization and fixed-time AI (TAI) during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo. In Experiment 1, buffalo cows without a detectable corpus luteum (CL) were assigned on Day -20 (D-20) to three groups: control (n = 12); melatonin (n = 13); progesterone (P4) (n = 15). Cows in the melatonin group were implanted with melatonin on D-20. From D0 to D9, there was imposing of an estrous synchronization treatment regimen using either a standard Ovsynch protocol (control, melatonin) or a P4-based Ovsynch treatment regimen (P4). There were no differences (P > 0.05) among groups for the presence of a CL at D0, size of the largest follicle at D0, ovulation to GnRH injection at D0 and D9, or the time to ovulation after injection of GnRH at D9. In Experiment 2, there was imposing of the same treatment regimens as in Experiment 1, with inclusion of TAI. Females of the P4 group had a greater (P = 0.001) pregnancy/AI percentage (60 %) than those in the control (17 %) and melatonin (23 %) groups. Females of the P4 group also had a larger (P = 0.005) CL at D20 compared with those in the control and melatonin groups. Findings indicate treatment with melatonin for 20 days did not affect ovarian functions or the response to an estrous synchronization treatment regimen and TAI during the nonbreeding season in lactating dairy buffalo.

Tolvaptan in the Management of Acute Euvolemic Hyponatremia After Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis.

Introduction: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) can be a complication of hypothalamus-pituitary surgery. The use of tolvaptan in this setting is not well established, hence the primary aim of this study was to assess the sodium correction rates attained with tolvaptan compared with standard treatments (fluid restriction and/or hypertonic saline). Furthermore, we compared the length of hospital stay in the two treatment groups and investigated the occurrence of overcorrection and side effects including osmotic demyelination syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 308 transsphenoidal surgical procedures performed between 2011 and 2019 at our hospital. We selected adult patients who developed post-operative SIAD and recorded sodium monitoring, treatment modalities and outcomes. Correction rates were adjusted based on pre-treatment sodium levels. Results: Twenty-nine patients (9.4%) developed post-operative SIAD. Tolvaptan was administered to 14 patients (median dose 15 mg). Standard treatments were employed in 14 subjects (fluid restriction n=11, hypertonic saline n=1, fluid restriction and hypertonic saline n=2). Tolvaptan yielded higher adjusted sodium correction rates (12.0 mmolL-1/24h and 13.4 mmolL-1/48h) than standard treatments (1.8 mmolL-1/24h, p<0.001, and 4.5 mmolL-1/48h, p=0.004, vs. tolvaptan). The correction rate exceeded 10 mmolL-1/24h or 18 mmolL-1/48h in 9/14 and 2/14 patients treated with tolvaptan, respectively, and in no patient who received standard treatments. No side effects including osmotic demyelination occurred. Tolvaptan was associated with a shorter hospital stay (11vs.15 days, p=0.01). Conclusions: Tolvaptan is more effective than fluid restriction (with or without hypertonic saline) and allows for a shortened hospital stay in patients with SIAD after transsphenoidal surgery. However, its dose and duration should be carefully tailored, and close monitoring is recommended to allow prompt detection of overcorrection.

Quality of life after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy has good oncologic results in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer with the advantage of preserving larynx phonatory function when compared with total laryngectomy. However the rehabilitation could be a challenge, especially regarding swallowing function. Is supracricoid partial laryngectomy associated with better quality of life than total laryngectomy? METHODS: Survey study that included 33 patients (16 total laryngectomy and 17 supracricoid partial laryngectomy) with advanced larynx cancer surgically treated and fully rehabilitated. The quality of life were evaluated with EORTC QLQ C30 and H&N 35 instrument. RESULTS: Patients who underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy obtained better scores in global health status-quality of life and general activities and had lower levels of sensory and speech-related symptoms. CONCLUSION: SPL was associated with better quality of life when compared with TL.

In vivobiocompatibility and biodegradability of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend compatibilized with poly(ε-caprolactone-b-tetrahydrofuran) in Wistar rats.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) are two important aliphatic esters known for their biodegradability and bioresorbability properties; the former is stiffer and brittle while the smaller modulus of the latter allows a suitable elongation. The new biomaterials being developed from the blend of these two polymers (PLA and PCL) is opportune due to the reducing interfacial tension between their immiscible phases. In a previous study, PLA/PCL immiscible blend when compatibilized with poly(ε-caprolactone-b-tetrahydrofuran) resulted in enhanced ductility and toughness no cytotoxic effect invitrotests. There is little published data on the effect of poly(ε-caprolactone-b-tetrahydrofuran) on PLA and PCL biocompatibility and biodegradabilityin vivotests. This study focuses on evaluating the behavioral response and polymer-tissue interaction of compatibilized PLA/PCL blend compared to neat PLA implanted via intraperitoneal (IP) and subcutaneous (SC) in male Wistar rats, distributed in four experimental groups: neat PLA, PLA/PCL blend, sham, and control at 2-, 8- and 24-weeks post-implantation (WPI). An open-field test was performed to appraise emotionality and spontaneous locomotor activity. Histopathological investigation using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and picrosirius-hematoxylin (PSH) was used to assess polymer-tissue interaction. Modifications in PLA and the PLA/PCL blend's surface morphology were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PLA group defecated more often than PLA/PCL rats 2 and 8 WPI. Conjunctive capsule development around implants, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and giant cells of a foreign body to the biomaterial was observed in light microscopy. Both groups displayed a fibrous reaction along with collagen deposition around the biomaterials. In the SEM, the images showed a higher degradation rate for the PLA/PCL blend in both implantation routes. The polymers implanted via IP exhibited a higher degradation rate compared to SC. These findings emphasize the biocompatibility of the PLA/PCL blend compatibilized with poly(ε-caprolactone-b-tetrahydrofuran), making this biopolymer an acceptable alternative in a variety of biomedical applications.

Differential Yellow Fever Susceptibility in New World Nonhuman Primates, Comparison with Humans, and Implications for Surveillance.

A major outbreak of yellow fever (YF) occurred in Brazil during 2016-2018. Epizootics in New World nonhuman primates are sentinel events for YF virus circulation. However, genus-specific susceptibilities and suitability for YF surveillance remain poorly understood. We obtained and compared epidemiologic, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular results from 93 human and 1,752 primate cases submitted during the recent YF outbreak in Brazil (2017), with the support of the Brazilian National YF Surveillance Program. We detected heterogeneous YF-associated profiles among the various genera of primates we analyzed. Alouatta primates were the most reliable sentinel; Sapajus and Callicebus primates had higher viral loads but lower proportional mortality rates. Callithrix primates were the least sensitive, showing lower viral loads, lower proportional mortality rates, and no demonstrable YF virus antigen or extensive lesions in liver, despite detectable viral RNA. These differences in susceptibility, viral load, and mortality rates should be considered in strategic surveillance of epizootics and control measures for YF.

Treatment with estradiol cypionate at progesterone withdrawal reduces handling without compromising the pregnancy rate to timed-AI in buffalo.

The aim of this study was to determine if treatment with estradiol cypionate (EC) at the time of P4 withdrawal induced ovulation in a synchronization/timed-AI (TAI) protocol in buffalo. In Experiment 1, 56 buffaloes received an intravaginal P4 device (1.0 g) plus estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.0 mg im) on Day 0 (D0). On Day 9, the P4 device was removed and buffaloes were given PGF2α (0.53 mg im sodium cloprostenol) plus eCG (400 IU im). Buffaloes were then randomly allocated to one of two groups: Group GEC (n = 29), treated with EC (1.0 mg im) at P4 device removal; Group GEB (n = 27), treated with EB (1.0 mg im) 24 h after P4 device removal. Ovarian ultrasound was undertaken on: D0, to ascertain general ovarian status; D9 to D11 (every 24 h), to measure diameter of the largest follicle (LF) and follicular growth rate; D11 to D13 (every 12 h for 72 h), to determine the time of ovulation and ovulation rate. Following P4 device removal, Groups GEC and GEB had a similar follicular growth rate (0.9 ± 0.1 and 1.1 ± 0.1 mm/day, respectively; P = 0.15) and similar LF diameter on D11 (11.4 ± 0.6 and 12.5 ± 0.5 mm; P = 0.12). Groups GEC and GEB also had a similar diameter of the ovulatory follicle (13.0 ± 0.5 and 13.4 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.52), interval from P4 device removal to ovulation (68.2 ± 2.8 and 71.1 ± 1.4 h; P = 0.41) and ovulation rate (62.1% and 70.4%; P = 0.44). In Experiment 2, 199 buffaloes were assigned to the two treatments in Experiment 1 (GEC, n = 100; GEB, n = 99). All animals underwent TAI 56 h after P4 device removal and pregnancy diagnosis was preformed on D41. The pregnancy rate was similar for Groups GEC and GEB (50.0 and 45.5%, respectively; P = 0.45). The findings indicate that treatment with EC at the time of P4 withdrawal induces ovulation and achieves the same pregnancy rate to TAI as treatment with EB 24 h after P4 removal. The use of EC requires one less handling which is highly important in facilitating practical adoption of TAI in assisted breeding and genetic improvement in buffalo.

Histopathological kidney changes and myoglobinuria in neotropical non-human primates attacked by dogs, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Non-human primates (NHPs) are susceptible to dogs' attacks, events that may cause muscle damage along with stress, and could be in some extent compatible with capture myopathy, a syndrome that results in myoglobinuria and renal damage. METHODS: We aimed to evaluate by histopathology pre-existing lesions and subsequent sequelae related to dogs' attacks, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and myoglobinuria, as well as the usefulness of Pearls Stain and IHC to diagnose it. Histopathology was performed in available organs, and sections of kidney submitted to Prussian blue stain and myoglobin immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: During January 2014-June 2016, 16/145 (11%) of NHPs received by Adolfo Lutz Institute, Brazil were reported as attacked by dogs. A high frequency of young and debilitated animals was found. Myoglobinuria was observed in more than half animals (9/16; 56.2%), from which (5/9; 55.5%) presented ATN. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney lesions are plausible findings in NHPs attacked by dogs.

Administration of PGF2α during the periovulatory period increased fertilization rate in superovulated buffaloes.

The aim of the present study was to determine the recovery of embryonic structures (ova/embryos) and fertilization rate in superovulated buffaloes treated with PGF2α during the periovulatory period. On day 0 (D0), buffaloes at random stages of the estrous cycle were treated with an intravaginal progesterone device (P4; 1.0 g) and estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.0 mg i.m.). From D4 to D7, all buffaloes received i.m. FSH (200 mg total) twice-daily over 4 days in decreasing doses. On D6 and D7, the animals were given PGF2α analogue (0.53 mg i.m. sodium cloprostenol) and the P4 device was removed on D7. On D8, all buffaloes received GnRH (20 µg i.m. buserelin acetate). Buffaloes were then randomly allocated to one of three groups: control (Group C, n = 18), no further treatment; PGF2α analogue injection (Group IM-PGF; n = 18), four injections (0.53 mg i.m. sodium cloprostenol) 12 h apart, from D8 to D10; PGF2α analogue osmotic pump (Group OP-PGF; n = 18), s.c. osmotic mini-pump (2.12 mg sodium cloprostenol) from D8 to D10. The study had a crossover design (three treatments x three replicates). All animals underwent timed AI, 12 and 24 h after treatment with GnRH. Embryonic structures were recovered on D14. Ovarian ultrasonography was used on D8 and D14 to record follicular superstimulation and superovulatory responses. Blood samples were obtained on Days 7, 8, 9 and 10 to measure circulating concentrations of P4, E2 and PGFM. Data were analyzed by GLIMMIX procedure of SAS®. There was no effect (P = 0.58) of treatment on the total number of embryonic structures (Group C, 2.1 ±â€¯0.8; Group IM-PGF, 2.1 ±â€¯0.6; Group OP-PGF, 1.4 ±â€¯0.4). There was also no effect (P = 0.93) of treatment on the recovery rate of embryonic structures (oocytes and embryos D14/CL D14). The fertilization rate was higher (P = 0.04) in Groups IM-PGF (84.6%) and OP-PGF (88.0%), which did not differ, than Group C (63.2%). The viable embryos rate was greater (P < 0.01) for Groups IM-PGF (82.0%) and OP-PGF (88.0%) than Group C (52.6%). There was no interaction between treatment and time and treatment effects for P4, E2 and PGFM concentrations. The findings showed that treatment with PGF2α during the periovulatory period has potential to increase fertilization rate and embryo production in superovulated buffaloes.

Differential Expression of Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 and Ancillary Protein CD147 in Red Blood Cells of Show Jumping Horses.

We compare the expression levels of the lactate transporter complex consisting of the lactate transporter, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), and its ancillary protein, cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), in the membranes of red blood cells (RBCs) from two breeds of jumping horses and associate the expression levels of these proteins with their jumping ability. The expression levels of MCT1 and CD147 proteins on the membranes of RBCs collected from 30 show jumping horses of two different breeds were quantified: the Brazilian Sport Horses (n = 17) and the European Warmbloods (n = 13). The levels of MCT1 and CD147 in the RBC membranes were measured by Western blot using horse-specific antibodies. Statistical analyses included unpaired Student t-test and Chi-squared test. According to the expression levels of MCT1 and CD147 proteins, 88% of the Brazilian Sport Horses were categorized as high lactate transporters and the remaining 12% as low lactate transporters. The opposite was found for the European Warmbloods, where most animals (77%) were classified as low lactate transporters and the remaining animals (23%) were classified as high lactate transporters. Brazilian Sport Horses express statistically significantly higher levels of CD147 and MCT1 than European Warmbloods. The classification of horses considering the expression of proteins involved in the ability to transport lactate through the complex MCT1-CD147 seems to be breed dependent, with horses that are able to jump higher obstacles showing lower expression of the MCT1-CD147 complex in their RBCs.

Superstimulation prior to the ovum pick-up improves the in vitro embryo production in nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) donors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovarian follicular population, the oocyte yield and the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) of nulliparous (NU), primiparous (PR) and multiparous (MU) buffalo donors submitted to the superstimulation with FSH prior to the ovum pick-up (OPU). A total of 54 buffalo donors (18 NU, 15 PR and 21MU) received an intravaginal progesterone device (1.0 g) plus estradiol benzoate [2.0 mg, intramuscular (im)] at random stage of the estrous cycle (Day 0) during the breeding season (autumn and winter). Buffaloes from different categories were then randomly allocated to one of two groups (Control or FSH), in a cross-over experimental design. Buffalo donors in the Control group received no further treatment, whereas buffalo donors in the FSH group received a total dosage of 200 mg im of FSH on Days 4 and 5, in four decreasing doses 12 h apart (57, 57, 43 and 43 mg). On Day 7, the progesterone device was removed and the OPU procedure was performed in both groups. The same semen was used across all replicates and donor category. Data were analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4®. There was no interaction between FSH treatment and animal category for all analyzed variables. Furthermore, no differences between animal category (P = 0.73) and FSH treatment (P = 0.53) were observed regarding the total follicles aspirated. However, the FSH treatment increased (P < 0.001) the proportion of large (>10 mm; FSH = 16.2% and Control = 2.0%) and medium-sized follicles (6-10 mm; FSH = 36.3% and Control = 6.1%) available for the OPU procedure. The total of recovered oocytes was greater in NU than in MU, and PR were similar to NU and MU (P = 0.05). No effect of FSH treatment was observed (P = 0.85) for this variable. Buffalo donors treated with FSH had a greater viable oocytes rate (P = 0.03), blastocyst rate (P = 0.03) and embryo yield per OPU-IVEP session (P = 0.07), however, no category effects were observed for these variables. These results provided evidence that superstimulation with FSH increased the proportion of large and medium-sized follicles available for the OPU procedure. Consequently, the FSH treatment enhanced the proportion of viable oocytes for culture and resulted in greater blastocyst rates and embryo yield per OPU-IVEP session in all buffalo donors categories.

Outbreak of Yellow Fever among Nonhuman Primates, Espirito Santo, Brazil, 2017.

In January 2017, a yellow fever outbreak occurred in Espirito Santo, Brazil, where human immunization coverage is low. Histologic, immunohistologic, and PCR examinations were performed for 22 deceased nonhuman New World primates; typical yellow fever features were found in 21. Diagnosis in nonhuman primates prompted early public health response.