Does lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage differ in cryopreserved semen samples from young, adult and aged Nellore bulls?

The aims of this study were to evaluate cryopreserved semen of Nellore bulls of different ages and verify whether sperm quality declines with advancing age and whether lipid peroxidation and DNA damage are involved in this process. For this purpose, 40 Nellore bulls were divided into three age groups: Young, aged 1.8-2 years (n = 9); Adult, aged 3.5-7.0 years (n = 19); and Seniors, aged 8.0-14.3 years (n = 12). Three ejaculates were collected from each bull, cryopreserved and evaluated for various parameters including membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential (FITC-PSA and JC1), lipid peroxidation (C-11BODIPY 581 / 591) and oxidative DNA damage (8OHdG) using flow cytometry. The thawed semen of senior bulls was characterized by a low percentage of motile sperm (33.7 ±â€¯6.1%), higher damage to the plasma and acrosomal membrane (37.5 ±â€¯9.8%), and low mitochondrial potential (29.1 ±â€¯13.8%), as well as higher percentages of peroxidated cells (53.6 ±â€¯12.2%) and DNA damage (44.1 ±â€¯11.0%; P < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was negatively correlated with motility (r = -0.35, P < 0.0002), average mitochondrial potential (r = -0.42; P < 0.0001) and showed a positive correlation with membrane injury and oxidative DNA damage (r = 039; P = 0.0003). Young bulls presented superior thawed sperm quality, possibly due to greater resistance to oxidative stress and, consequently, to cryopreservation. In conclusion, the sperm quality of bull semen declines with advancing age and is strongly associated with increased oxidative damage to both the plasma membrane and DNA.

Factors associated with positivity for canine visceral leishmaniosis in an endemic area in Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is a public health problem and its occurrence depends primarily on the presence of the vector and susceptible hosts; in the urban environment, the dog is the main reservoir. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of canine visceral leishmaniosis (CVL) and factors associated with it in an urban area endemic for VL. Analysis of the variables was based on 2755 epidemiological records of dogs positive and negative for CVL over a three-year period (2009, 2010 and 2011). A dog was considered positive when it presented amastigotes in the cytological examination of lymph node biopsy and/or was seropositive by immunoenzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence assays. CVL positive dogs were observed throughout the town, but significant differences were observed between the sectors analyzed (P<0.0001), with two sectors showing higher positivity. CVL prevalence was 35.9% and was significantly associated with age and breed (P<0.0001). Concerning symptoms, 44.3% of symptomatic dogs were positive for LV (P<0.0001) in an urban area endemic for this zoonosis.

A study of intestinal parasites in children of an urban region with excellent sanitary condition reveals high occurrence of Blastocystis spp

Intestinal parasites are among the major causative agents of diseases that affect animals and humans, especially children. In view of this, the current study evaluated the occurrence of these parasitic agents in 737 children in an urban region with excellent sanitation condition of the city of Pedreira, São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples from the children were processed with the use of a technique of high diagnostic efficiency (TF-Test®). The diagnosis of these samples resulted in the detection of 557 parasitic structures among eleven genera of parasites, and of 46.4% (342/737) infected children. Blastocystis spp. was found in 69.6% (238/342) of the positive samples and the monoparasitism was accompanied by symptoms in 44 children. Furthermore, 67.8% (232/342) of the infected children had close contact with pets, suggesting a possible zoonotic transmission. Lastly, this study allowed to perform health education to the children, aiming the reduction of new intestinal parasitic infections.

Copaiba oil in experimental wound healing in horses / Óleo de Copaíba na cicatrização de feridas experimentais em cavalos

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 10% copaiba oil in experimentally induced wounds in horses. Four wounds were made in the lumbar and metacarpal regions of eight adult horses. In the treatment group, the wounds received 10% copaiba oil and in the control group 0.9% sodium chloride, in the daily dressing for 21 days. The wounds were evaluated three, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between the groups. The mean lumbar wound contraction rates were 80.54% and 69.64%, for the control and treated groups, respectively. For the wounds in the metacarpal region, these averages were 44.15% and 52.48%, respectively. Under the experimental conditions of the present study, it is concluded that 10% copaiba oil has beneficial in wound healing in the equine species and suggest that copaiba oil can be used as a therapeutic possibility in equine wound therapy.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do óleo de copaíba a 10% em feridas induzidas experimentalmente em equinos. Quatro feridas foram confeccionadas nas regiões lombares e metacarpianas de oito cavalos adultos. No grupo tratamento, as feridas receberam óleo de copaíba a 10% e no grupo controle, cloreto de sódio a 0,9% nos curativos diários durante 21 dias. As avaliações das feridas foram feitas aos 3, 7, 14, e 21 dias de pós-operatório. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos estudados. As médias das taxas de contração das feridas lombares foram 79,24% e 69,64%, para o grupo controle e tratado, respectivamente. Nas feridas do metacarpo, estas médias foram 44,78% e 52,05%, respectivamente. Nas condições experimentais deste estudo, conclui-se que o óleo de copaíba a 10% foi benéfico na cicatrização de feridas na espécie equina, sendo uma alternativa terapêutica para cura de feridas nesta espécie.

Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area.

The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

Reduction in cytoplasmic lipid content in bovine embryos cultured in vitro with linoleic acid in semi-defined medium is correlated with increases in cryotolerance.

UNLABELLED: We examined whether culturing embryos with linoleic acid (LA) in semi-defined medium reduces lipid accumulation and improves cryosurvival after vitrification. Embryos were cultured with LA (100 µM) and a semi-defined medium was used during in vitro culture (IVC), in which the fetal calf serum was substituted by bovine serum albumin (BSA). There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the embryonic development rate ( CONTROL: 25.8% versus LA: 18.5%), but the proposed system was effective in promoting the decrease (P = 0.0130) in the intracellular lipid content ( CONTROL: 27.3 ± 0.7 versus LA: 24.6 ± 0.7 arbitrary fluorescence units of embryos stained with the fluorescent dye Nile Red), consequently increasing (P = 0.0490) the embryo survival after 24h of culture post-warming ( CONTROL: 50.0% versus LA: 71.7%). The results question the criteria used to evaluate the efficiency of an in vitro production system specifically with relation to the maximum number of blastocysts produced and suggest that might be more appropriate to improve the desired characteristics of embryos generated in accordance with the specific purpose of in vitro embryo production, commercial or scientific. In conclusion, supplying LA to serum-free culture medium was found to adversely affect the rates of embryo development to the blastocyst stage, but significantly reduced embryo lipid accumulation and improved cryopreservation survival.

Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area / A estrutura etária de cães com donos numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral / Estructura etaria de la población canina domiciliada en un área endémica con leishmaniasis visceral canina

Abstract: The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

Resumo: É importante conhecer a estrutura etária da população canina para melhor planejar e avaliar os programas de controle de zoonoses. Os autores analisaram os dados de um censo de cães com donos para caracterizar, pela primeira vez, a estrutura etária de uma população canina sujeita à eliminação compulsória numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral (Panorama, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil) que registrou uma taxa de eliminação canina de 28% no ano do estudo. Os dados para 1.329 domicílios e 1.671 cães com donos mostraram uma razão de cães para humanos de 1:7. A média de idade dos cães foi estimada em 1,73 anos; a pirâmide etária indicou altas taxas de natalidade e de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida, com uma estimativa de mortalidade cumulativa de 78% aos três anos de idade, e uma expectativa de vida de 2,75 anos. Apesar da alta mortalidade, uma simulação de projeção de crescimento sugeriu que a população tem o potencial de crescer numa escala logarítmica ao longo dos anos. Os parâmetros estimados podem ser aplicados também a modelos para maximizar o impacto e minimizar os insumos financeiros de medidas de controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Resumen: El conocimiento de la estructura etaria de una población de perros es esencial para la planificación de programas de control de zoonosis. Se analizaron datos de un censo de población canina domiciliada, con el objetivo de caracterizar, por primera vez, la estructura de una población de perros domiciliados en un área donde la eutanasia de perros positivos en leishmaniasis visceral es obligatoria (Panorama, São Paulo, Brasil), y que registró un 28% de casos de eutanasia en el año en que el censo fue realizado. Los datos de 1.329 domicilios y 1.671 perros resultaron en una razón perro:hombre de 1:7. La edad media de los perros fue estimada en 1,73 años; la pirámide de edad indica altas tasas de nacimiento y mortalidad hasta 1 año de vida, con tasa de mortalidad acumulada de un 78% en el tercer año de vida, y expectativa de vida de 2,75 años. A pesar de la alta tasa de mortalidad, la simulación de crecimiento poblacional sugiere que esta población tiene potencial de crecimiento en escala logarítmica a lo largo de los años. Los parámetros estimados pueden ser utilizados en modelos para maximizar el impacto y minimizar los costes de las medidas de control de la enfermedad.

Tissue apoptosis in mice infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae.

BACKGROUND: This investigation aimed to evaluate the occurrence of some apoptotic features induced by Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae infection in young BALB/c mice during 2, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi). METHODS: The animals were euthanized and lung, liver and kidneys were harvested to histopathology analysis and immunohistochemistry to caspase-3 antigen detection was performed. RESULTS: Chromatin condensation in kidney and liver tissues, but not in lung tissue, was observed. Caspase-3 reactive cells, mainly characterized as renal epithelial cells, were detected in the days 14 and 21 at high levels when compared to days 2, 4 and 7 (p = 0.025; p < 0.05). Lung sections revealed caspase-3 labeled alveolar cells in 10 and 14 days post-infection was higher than observed at 7 days (p = 0.0497; p < 0.05). Liver sections demonstrated reactive cells at a highest level at 14 and 21 days post-infection when comparison to 2, 4, 7 and 10 days (p = 0.0069; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that infection of L. interrogans induce in kidney, liver and lung an activation of apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 dependent pathway in later phases of infectious process.

Tissue apoptosis in mice infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae

Background: This investigation aimed to evaluate the occurrence of some apoptotic features induced by Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae infection in young BALB/c mice during 2, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi). Methods: The animals were euthanized and lung, liver and kidneys were harvested to histopathology analysis and immunohistochemistry to caspase-3 antigen detection was performed. Results: Chromatin condensation in kidney and liver tissues, but not in lung tissue, was observed. Caspase-3 reactive cells, mainly characterized as renal epithelial cells, were detected in the days 14 and 21 at high levels when compared to days 2,4 and 7 (p = 0.025; p <0.05). Lung sections revealed caspase-3 labeled alveolar cells in 10 and 14 days post-infection was higher than observed at 7 days (p = 0.0497; p < 0.05). Liver sections demonstrated reactive cells at a highest level at 14 and 21 days post-infection when comparison to 2,4, 7 and 10 days (p = 0.0069; p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that infection of L interrogans induce in kidney, liver and lung an activation of apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 dependent pathway in later phases of infectious process.

Tissue apoptosis in mice infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae

Background:This investigation aimed to evaluate the occurrence of some apoptotic features induced by Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae infection in young BALB/c mice during 2, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi).Methods:The animals were euthanized and lung, liver and kidneys were harvested to histopathology analysis and immunohistochemistry to caspase-3 antigen detection was performed.Results:Chromatin condensation in kidney and liver tissues, but not in lung tissue, was observed. Caspase-3 reactive cells, mainly characterized as renal epithelial cells, were detected in the days 14 and 21 at high levels when compared to days 2,4 and 7 (p = 0.025; p <0.05). Lung sections revealed caspase-3 labeled alveolar cells in 10 and 14 days post-infection was higher than observed at 7 days (p = 0.0497; p < 0.05). Liver sections demonstrated reactive cells at a highest level at 14 and 21 days post-infection when comparison to 2,4, 7 and 10 days (p = 0.0069; p<0.05).Conclusions:Our results suggest that infection of L interrogans induce in kidney, liver and lung an activation of apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 dependent pathway in later phases of infectious process.(AU)

Filling of extraction sockets of feline maxillary canine teeth with autogenous bone or bioactive glass.

PURPOSE: To evaluate bone healing in the extraction socket of the feline maxillary canine tooth after grafting. METHODS: Eighteen adult cats were submitted to unilateral extraction of maxillary canine tooth and divided into three groups. In group 1 (n=6), control, the extraction socket was left empty. In group 2 (n=6), the extraction socket was filled with autogenous cancellous bone from the iliac crest and in group 3 (n=6), with bioactive glass particulate material. Cats were euthanized at four weeks postoperative. RESULTS: The radiographic examinations performed four weeks after surgery showed that in all groups the healing process converged to a radiopacity similar to that observed in the surrounding bones. Histological examination showed formation of woven bone within the extraction socket. The percentage of newly formed bone within the extraction socket, measured by the histometry, showed no statistically significant difference among the values of the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis'test p>0.05) (group 1: 63.96 ± 5.85, group 2: 66.84 ± 11.67, group 3: 59.28 ± 15.50). CONCLUSION: The bone regeneration observed in the extraction sockets filled with autogenous cancellous bone or bioactive glass was similar to that observed in the control sites, given an observation period of four weeks after extraction of the maxillary canine tooth.

Filling of extraction sockets of feline maxillary canine teeth with autogenous bone or bioactive glass

PURPOSE: To evaluate bone healing in the extraction socket of the feline maxillary canine tooth after grafting. METHODS: Eighteen adult cats were submitted to unilateral extraction of maxillary canine tooth and divided into three groups. In group 1 (n=6), control, the extraction socket was left empty. In group 2 (n=6), the extraction socket was filled with autogenous cancellous bone from the iliac crest and in group 3 (n=6), with bioactive glass particulate material. Cats were euthanized at four weeks postoperative. RESULTS: The radiographic examinations performed four weeks after surgery showed that in all groups the healing process converged to a radiopacity similar to that observed in the surrounding bones. Histological examination showed formation of woven bone within the extraction socket. The percentage of newly formed bone within the extraction socket, measured by the histometry, showed no statistically significant difference among the values of the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis'test p>0.05) (group 1: 63.96 ± 5.85, group 2: 66.84 ± 11.67, group 3: 59.28 ± 15.50). CONCLUSION: The bone regeneration observed in the extraction sockets filled with autogenous cancellous bone or bioactive glass was similar to that observed in the control sites, given an observation period of four weeks after extraction of the maxillary canine tooth.

Desenvolvimento do abomaso de bovinos no período pré-natal / Development of bovine abomasum in prenatal period

Para esta pesquisa, amostras de abomaso de fetos da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) foram divididos em cinco grupos: 1º – fetos com 9 a 15 semanas (8 a 21cm) de gestação, 2º – fetos com 16 a 22 semanas (23 a 37 cm), 3º – fetos com 23 a 29 semanas (40 a 58 cm), 4º – fetos com 30 a 36 semanas (61 a 77 cm) e 5º – fetos com 37 a 43 semanas (79 a 88 cm). Os cortes histológicos foram corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina, picrossirius e Tricrômico de Mallory e examinados ao microscópio de luz. No feto de 11 cm, observaram-se pregas mucosas largas, vilosidades revestidas por epitélio simples cilíndrico, lâmina própria, tela submucosa, túnica muscular com estratos interno e externo e serosa. Aos 13,5 cm, as vilosidades eram evidentes com formação da lâmina muscular da mucosa. Aos 16,5 cm, houve aumento em número e tamanho das glândulas mucosas. No feto de 26 cm, observou-se aumento das túnicas e ramificações das glândulas. Aos 29 cm, observou-se aumento no tamanho das pregas. Com 37 cm, houve aumento do epitélio glandular, lâmina muscular da mucosa e túnica muscular. Com 42 cm, as glândulas eram profundas com células mucosas e lâmina pró- pria delgada. Concluiu-se que as os valores histomorfométricos da túnica muscular e parede total do abomaso foram crescentes para todos os grupos, com exceção dos grupos 4 e 5 para os quais houve queda dos valores, sem diferença significante e não houve crescimento contínuo para os demais constituintes da parede do abomaso.

For this purpose, samples of Nelore fetus abomasum (Bos taurus indicus) were classified into five groups: 1 – fetuses with 9 to 15 weeks (8 to 21 cm) of gestation, 2 – fetuses with 16 to 22 weeks (23 to 37 cm), 3 – fetuses at 23 to 29 weeks (40 to 58 cm) 4 – fetuses with 30 to 36 weeks (61 to 77 cm) and 5 – fetuses with 37 to 43 weeks (79 to 88 cm). Histologic sections were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius and Mallory’s trichrome methods and examined underlight microscopy. In fetus with 11 cm of length showed deep mucosa, wide folds and villi lined by single cylindrical epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa, muscular sublayers and serosa. Fetus with 13.5 cm, villi were evident and muscular layer of the mucosa was formed. At 16.5 cm, could be seen an increase in mucosa glands size and number. In fetus of 26 cm, showed gastric mucous glands at great number and ramifications. At 29 cm large folds, were observed.At 37 cm, showed glandular epithelium, muscular layer of the mucosa and muscular layer well development. Fetus with 42 cm, showed deep glands with corresponding mucous cells surrounding by thin lamina propria. It was concluded that the histomorphometric values of muscular layer and total abomasum wall were increased for all groups except for groups 4 and 5 which there was a decline of values, without presenting a significant difference and there was no continuous pattern of growth for other components of abomasum wall.

Desenvolvimento do omaso de bovinos da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) durante o período pré-natal / Development of the omasum of Nelore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) during the prenatal period

O desenvolvimento do estômago de mamíferos domésticos é um processo complexo, especialmente em ruminantes. Essa pesquisa analisou o desenvolvimento desse órgão durante o período pré-natal. Foram utilizadas amostras de omaso de fetos da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) divididos em cinco grupos com seis amostras cada: 1º – fetos com 9 a 15 semanas (8 a 21cm) de gestação, 2º – fetos com 16 a 22 semanas (23 a 37cm), 3º – fetos com 23 a 29 semanas (40 a 58cm), 4º – fetos com 30 a 36 semanas (61 a 77cm) e 5º– fetos com 37 a 43 semanas (79 a 88cm). Os cortes histológicos foram corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina e Picrossirius e examinados ao microscópio de luz. No feto de 11 cm, foi observado mucosa com lâminas primárias, secundárias e terciárias uniformes e demais camadas presentes. No feto de 13,5 cm surgiram as lâminas quaternárias, papilas nas lâminas primárias e secundárias e a formação da muscular da mucosa. Aos 28 cm, as papilas estavam em pleno desenvolvimento, assim como as lâminas, principalmente as quaternárias. No feto de 42 cm houve início de queratinização epitelial e, no de 56 cm, estava totalmente queratinizado. No feto de 60 cm, as lâminas possuíam papilas grandes e afiladas no ápice e, aos 65 cm, houve diminuição do epitélio e aumento da camada muscular. O feto de 83 cm apresentou lâminas delgadas, muscular da mucosa discreta e papilas por toda a superfície. Concluiu-se que as lâminas e papilas foram as estruturas que mais apresentaram modificações durante o desenvolvimento fetal.

The development of the stomach of domestic mammals is a complex process, especially in ruminants. The aim of this study was to analyze this organ during prenatal period. Omasum samples of Nelore fetuses (Bos taurus indicus) were divided into five groups of six samples each: 1- fetuses from 9 to 15 weeks (8 to 21cm) of gestation, 2 - fetuses from 16 to 22 weeks (23 to 37cm), 3 - fetuses from 23 to 29 weeks (40 to 58cm), 4 - fetuses from 30 to 36 weeks (61 to 77cm) and 5 - fetuses from 37 to 43 weeks (79 to 88cm). The histological sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Picrossirius and examined by light microscopy. In fetuses of 11 cm it was observed mucosa with uniform primary, secondary and tertiary blades and all layers present. The fetus with 13.5 cm presented quaternary blades emergence, papillae on primary and secondary blades and formation of the muscularis mucosae. At 28 cm it were observed papillae in development, as well as the blades, especially the quaternary. In 42 cm fetuses was early epithelial keratinization and at 56 cm it was fully keratinized. In 60 cm fetuses the blades presented large papillae with tapered apex and at 65 cm there was decreased epithelium and increase of the muscle layer. In the fetus of 83 cm it were observed thin sections, discrete muscularis mucosa and papillae over the entire organ surface. It was concluded that the blades and papillae were structures that presented more changes during fetal development.

Cryptosporidium spp. infection in mares and foals of the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil / Infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em éguas e potros da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in mares and their respective foals. This study was carried out in 11 farms located in the municipalities of Araçatuba, Birigui, Guararapes and Santo Antônio do Aracangua, in the northwest region of the State of Sao Paulo, from November 2010 to March 2011. A total of 98 mares and 98 foals of several breeds were analyzed; among foals, 59 were males and 39 females, aged from three to 330 days. Feces were collected directly from the rectal ampulla, purified and processed according to modified Kinyoun stain. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 21.4% (21/98) for foals and 18.4% (18/98) for mares. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. had significant association with breeds and age of animals. Results obtained led to the conclusion that foals older than two months and Mangalarga animals are less susceptible to the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em éguas e seus respectivos potros. Este estudo foi realizado em 11 fazendas localizadas nos municípios de Araçatuba, Birigui, Guararapes e Santo Antônio do Aracangua, na região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, de novembro de 2010 a março de 2011. Um total de 98 éguas e 98 potros de diversas raças foram analisados, sendo que, entre os filhotes, 59 eram machos e 39 fêmeas, cujas idades variavam de três até 330 dias. Fezes foram colhidas diretamente da ampola retal, purificadas e processadas pela técnica de Kinyoun modificada. A ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. observada foi de 21,4% (21/98) para potros e 18,4% (18/98) para éguas. A ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. teve uma associação significativa com a raça e a idade dos animais. A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se neste estudo que potros com idade superior a dois meses e animais da raça Mangalarga foram menos susceptíveis à ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp(AU)

Cryptosporidium spp. infection in mares and foals of the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in mares and their respective foals. This study was carried out in 11 farms located in the municipalities of Araçatuba, Birigui, Guararapes and Santo Antônio do Aracangua, in the northwest region of the State of Sao Paulo, from November 2010 to March 2011. A total of 98 mares and 98 foals of several breeds were analyzed; among foals, 59 were males and 39 females, aged from three to 330 days. Feces were collected directly from the rectal ampulla, purified and processed according to modified Kinyoun stain. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 21.4% (21/98) for foals and 18.4% (18/98) for mares. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. had significant association with breeds and age of animals. Results obtained led to the conclusion that foals older than two months and Mangalarga animals are less susceptible to the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp.

Alveolar bone healing process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A radiographic densitometry study.

UNLABELLED: Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. If undiagnosed or untreated, this pathology represents a systemic risk factor and offers unfavorable conditions for dental treatments, especially those requiring bone healing. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, by analysis of bone mineral density (BMD), that the alveolar bone healing process is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats and SHRs were submitted to extraction of the upper right incisor and were euthanized 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after surgery. Right maxillae were collected, radiographed and analyzed using Digora software. BMD was expressed as minimum (min), middle (med) and maximum (max) in the medium (MT) and apical (AT) thirds of the dental alveolus. RESULTS: The results were compared across days and groups. Wistar showed difference in med and max BMD in the MT between 7 and 28 and also between 14 and 28 days. The AT exhibited significant difference in med and min BMD between 7 and 28 days, as well as difference in min BMD between 28 and 42 days. SHRs showed lower med BMD in the MT at 28 days when compared to 21 and 42 days. Differences were observed across groups in med and min BMD at day 28 in the MT and AT; and in max BMD at 14, 21 and 42 days in the MT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the alveolar bone healing process is delayed in SHRs comparing with Wistar rats.

Alveolar bone healing process in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR): A radiographic densitometry study

Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. If undiagnosed or untreated, this pathology represents a systemic risk factor and offers unfavorable conditions for dental treatments, especially those requiring bone healing. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, by analysis of bone mineral density (BMD), that the alveolar bone healing process is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Material and Methods: Wistar rats and SHRs were submitted to extraction of the upper right incisor and were euthanized 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after surgery. Right maxillae were collected, radiographed and analyzed using Digora software. BMD was expressed as minimum (min), middle (med) and maximum (max) in the medium (MT) and apical (AT) thirds of the dental alveolus. Results: The results were compared across days and groups. Wistar showed difference in med and max BMD in the MT between 7 and 28 and also between 14 and 28 days. The AT exhibited significant difference in med and min BMD between 7 and 28 days, as well as difference in min BMD between 28 and 42 days. SHRs showed lower med BMD in the MT at 28 days when compared to 21 and 42 days. Differences were observed across groups in med and min BMD at day 28 in the MT and AT; and in max BMD at 14, 21 and 42 days in the MT. Conclusions: These results suggest that the alveolar bone healing process is delayed in SHRs comparing with Wistar rats.

Coinfection of Leishmania chagasi with Toxoplasma gondii, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in cats from an endemic area of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis.

The aim of the present study was to determine the coinfection of Leishmania sp. with Toxoplasma gondii, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in a population of cats from an endemic area for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. An overall 66/302 (21.85%) cats were found positive for Leishmania sp., with infection determined by direct parasitological examination in 30/302 (9.93%), by serology in 46/302 (15.23%) and by both in 10/302 (3.31%) cats. Real time PCR followed by amplicon sequencing successfully confirmed Leishmania infantum (syn Leishmania chagasi) infection. Out of the Leishmania infected cats, coinfection with FIV was observed in 12/66 (18.18%), with T. gondii in 17/66 (25.75%) and with both agents in 5/66 (7.58%) cats. FeLV was found only in a single adult cat with no Leishmania infection. A positive association was observed in coinfection of Leishmania and FIV (p<0.0001), but not with T. gondii (p>0.05). In conclusion, cats living in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis are significantly more likely to be coinfected with FIV, which may present confounding clinical signs and therefore cats in such areas should be always carefully screened for coinfections.

Salivary alpha amylase and cortisol levels in children with global developmental delay and their relation with the expectation of dental care and behavior during the intervention.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels in children with Global developmental delay (GDD) before and after dental treatment and its association with the children's behavior during treatment. The morning salivary cortisol levels and activity of sAA of 33 children with GDD were evaluated before and after dental treatment and were compared to 19 healthy children. The behavior of children with GDD during dental care was assessed by the Frankl scale. Children with GDD showed lower levels of sAA activity than healthy children, but this result was not significant. The salivary cortisol levels were similar between GDD and healthy children. GDD children showed increased levels of sAA (but not cortisol) prior to the dental treatment as compared to the post-treatment phase. GDD children who showed less favorable behavior during dental care had higher levels of sAA and salivary cortisol than GDD children with more favorable behavior, but only the sAA results were significant. In conclusion, GDD children show hyperactivity of the SNS-axis in anticipation of dental treatment which indicates the need for strategies to reduce their anxiety levels before and during dental care.