Comparative Analysis of How the Fecal Microbiota of Green-Winged Saltator (Saltator similis) Diverge among Animals Living in Captivity and in Wild Habitats.

The microbiota's alteration is an adaptive mechanism observed in wild animals facing high selection pressure, especially in captive environments. The objective of this study is to compare and predict the potential impact of habitat on the fecal bacterial community of Saltator similis, a songbird species that is a victim of illegal trafficking, living in two distinct habitats: wild and captivity. Nine wild and nine captive S. similis were sampled, and total bacterial DNA was obtained from the feces. Each DNA sample was employed to the amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA following high-throughput sequencing. The most predominant phyla in all songbirds, irrespective of habitat, were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Interestingly, a microbiota profile (phylogenetic and abundance relationship) related to habitat was identified. The genera "Candidatus Arthromitus", Acinetobacter, Kocuria, and Paracoccus were exclusively identified in animals living in captivity, which can be a potential biomarker associated with birds in captive environments. This study presents the first description of the fecal bacterial community composition of S. similis living two different lifestyles. Finally, our results suggest that the lifestyle of S. similis birds significantly impacts the composition of the fecal microbiota. The animals living in captivity showed dysbiosis in the microbiota, with some bacteria genera being indicated as biological markers of environmental behavior. Thus, the present research provides a new concept of life quality measure for songbirds.

Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study.

Songbirds are currently the most prevalent animals in illegal trafficking in Brazil and other countries, so they are often confiscated, and this poses legal, ethical, and conservation challenges. Returning them to nature requires complex and expensive management, a topic that is sparingly addressed in the literature. Here, we described the processes and costs associated with an attempt to rehabilitate and release confiscated songbirds into the wild. A total of 1,721 songbirds of several species were quarantined, rehabilitated, and released, primarily on two farms located within their typical geographical distribution. Health assessments were performed on samples from 370 birds. Serology revealed no antibodies against Newcastle disease, and Salmonella spp. cultures were negative. Real-time polymerase chain reactions detected M. gallisepticum in samples from seven birds. Atoxoplasma spp. and Acuaria spp. infections, sepsis, and trauma were the top causes of bird death. About 6% of the released birds were recaptured, within an average period of 249 days after release, and at a mean distance of 2,397 meters from the release sites. The majority of these birds were found with free-living mates within or close to fragments of transitional ecoregions with native or cultivated grasslands, and native groves/forests, and shrublands. However, eucalyptus plantations with rich understory regeneration provided a suitable environment for the released forest species to settle, since they were recaptured during the defense of these sites. Over half of the recaptured birds presented behavioral profiles with both dominant and tame traits. Birds with dominant traits are more likely to settle in habitats and face the live decoys during fieldwork, whereas birds with tame characteristics tend to accept close contact with humans. Ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii), the least common species among those released, at the release sites showed an almost 2-fold recapture rate in the shortest mean distances from the release sites. This suggests less territory competition, perhaps a major factor of bird re-establishment here. The total per-bird cost was USD 57. Our findings suggested suitable survival and re-establishment of confiscated songbirds in the wild, when managed as we describe.

Vemurafenib in the Treatment of Erdheim Chester Disease: A Systematic Review.

Erdheim Chester disease (ECD) is a type of histiocytosis characterized by a variable clinical presentation. The treatment of ECD is complex and mainly unknown. We aim to conduct a literature review of the treatment of ECD and consolidate the knowledge about the most recent and updated treatment for ECD. To conduct the systematic review, we used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol.  To analyze the bias, we used the Cochrane collaboration risk-of-bias tool to assess the bias. We included observational studies and clinical trials on humans, which were written in English. Papers not fulfilling the objective of our study were excluded. Overall, the drug showed efficacy in the clinical trials, showing prolonged improvement and high rates of response rate. Overall, the drug was not well tolerated, and patients had a long list of side effects. Nevertheless, the drug seems to be a good option for second-line treatment for patients with ECD and BRAFV600 mutation.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) encompasses a clinical and radiological diagnosis characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without focal deficits due to multifocal arterial vasoconstriction and dilation. RCVS can be correlated to pregnancy and exposure to certain drugs. Currently, the data on prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period is lacking. We aim to investigate the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period and the rate of hemorrhagic complications of RCVS among the same group of patients; (2) Methods: We conducted the metanalysis by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocol. To analyze the Bias, we used the Ottawa Newcastle scale tool. We included only full-text observational studies conducted on humans and written in English. We excluded Literature Reviews, Systematic Reviews, and Metanalysis. Additionally, we excluded articles that did not document the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period (3). Results: According to our analysis, the Prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period was 129/1083 (11.9%). Of these, 51/100 (52.7%) patients had hemorrhagic RCVS vs. 49/101 (49.5%) with non-hemorrhagic RCVS. The rates of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) were (51.6% and 10.7%, respectively. ICH seems to be more common than.; (4) Conclusions: Among patients with RCVS, the prevalence in PP patients is relativity high. Pregnant women with RCVS have a higher recurrence of hemorrhagic vs. non-hemorrhagic RCVS. Regarding the type of Hemorrhagic RCVS, ICH is more common than SAH among patients in the postpartum period. Female Sex, history of migraine, and older age group (above 45) seem to be risk factors for H-RCVS. Furthermore, recurrence of RCVS is associated with a higher age group (above 45). Recurrence of RCVS is more commonly idiopathic than being triggered by vasoactive drugs in the postpartum period.

Solriamfetol for the Use of Narcolepsy: A Systematic Review.

Narcolepsy is a chronic and disabling neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. Historically, some medications have demonstrated efficacy in managing EDS and cataplexy symptoms. However, some patients cannot tolerate them, become refractory, or may use concomitant medications that preclude the use due to drug-drug interaction. Therefore, there is a necessity to explore the efficacy of new treatments, such as solriamfetol (JZP-110), a 2019 FDA-approved drug indicated to improve wakefulness in adults with EDS associated with narcolepsy. We conducted this systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of solriamfetol in EDS and cataplexy, and the drug's overall safety. For this study, we used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and MOOSE protocol. After an initial search of 119 papers, we included four clinical trials to investigate and analyze the use of solriamfetol for the treatment of narcolepsy. Solriamfetol was proven to improve objective measures of EDS in all clinical trials. We conducted this systematic review using objective measures such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test. Overall, cataplexy was not formally evaluated in the four clinical trials; however, it demonstrated that EDS improved in patients with and without cataplexy. More clinical trials are needed to analyze the efficacy of solriamfetol on cataplexy. The effect of solriamfetol in EDS seems to be conclusive.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Thermal, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Corn Starch-Chitosan Biodegradable Films Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Packaging materials play an essential role in the preservation and marketing of food and other products. To improve their conservation capacity, antimicrobial agents that inhibit bacterial growth are used. Biopolymers such as starch and chitosan are a sustainable alternative for the generation of films for packaging that can also serve as a support for preservatives and antimicrobial agents. These substances can replace packaging of synthetic origin and maintain good functional properties to ensure the quality of food products. Films based on a mixture of corn starch and chitosan were developed by the casting method and the effect of incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) at different concentrations (0 to 10% w/w) was studied. The effect of the incorporation of CNC on the rheological, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties, as well as the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films, was evaluated. A significant modification of the functional and antimicrobial properties of the starch-chitosan films was observed with an increase in the concentration of nanomaterials. The films with CNC in a range of 0.5 to 5% presented the best performance. In line with the physicochemical characteristics which are desired in antimicrobial materials, this study can serve as a guide for the development this type of packaging for food use.

Effect of Plasticizer Content on Mechanical and Water Vapor Permeability of Maize Starch/PVOH/Chitosan Composite Films.

Packaging materials based on biodegradable polymers are a viable alternative to replace conventional plastic packaging from fossil origin. The type of plasticizer used in these materials affects their functionality and performance. The effect of different plasticizers such as glycerol (GLY), sorbitol (SOR), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) on the structural features and functional properties of starch/PVOH/chitosan films was evaluated. The incorporation of a plasticizer increased the thickness of the biodegradable composite films. Furthermore, the material plasticized with 30% (w/w) sorbitol had the highest elongation at break, lowest water vapor permeability, and better thermal resistance. The results obtained in this study suggest that maize starch/PVOH/chitosan biodegradable composite films are a promising packaging material, and that sorbitol is the most suitable plasticizer for this formulation.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Potential Health and Genetic Impacts of Releasing Confiscated Passerines Into the Wild: A Reduced-Risk Approach.

The illegal capture and trade of wild birds have long been threats to biodiversity. The rehabilitation and release of confiscated animals may be a useful conservation tool in species management. However, differences between populations regarding health (e.g., different pathogens) and adaptation (e.g., local adaptation) must be taken into account, since both can negatively impact the recipient population. In this pilot study, we used two of the most illegally trafficked Brazilian wild passerine species, namely the red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) and green-winged saltator (Saltator similis) as case studies and assessed some of the health threats that the release of confiscated passerines may pose to free-living birds. We also investigated the level of difference in mitochondrial genetic structure among populations living in different ecoregions. Blood, feces, and oropharyngeal swabs from confiscated (n = 115) and free-living (n = 120) passerines from the release sites were tested for the Newcastle disease virus, Salmonella spp., and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. These are considered major avian diseases by the Brazilian National Avian Health Program. We analyzed mtDNA to study the difference in genetic structure between populations using samples from 127 free-living passerines. We found no evidence of the Newcastle disease virus or Salmonella spp. in confiscated or free-living passerines from either species. However, the levels of infection with M. galissepticum detected in our study for red-crested cardinals and green-winged saltators calls for a high degree of caution in captive release programs. The difference in genetic structure between populations occurring in different regions was low, and was not significant between those from the Pampa/Subtropical Grasslands region. These results suggest that it may be possible to establish a cost-effective and sensitive protocol for releasing confiscated songbirds, provided that further genome-wide studies indicate that the functional genetic diversity among (at least some of the) populations is also low.

Opioid Antagonist in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and novel treatments need to be found, particularly drugs with neuroprotective and restorative effects. Lately, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between opioids and ischemic stroke. To further appreciate this association between opioids and stroke, we conducted a systematic review to investigate anti-opioid medication's effectiveness in treating ischemic stroke. We used PubMed advanced-strategy and Google Scholar searches and only included full-text clinical trials on humans and written in the English language. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven clinical trials were reviewed. Only one of the naloxone and nalmefene clinical trials showed statistically favorable results. Overall, the nalmefene clinical trials used more updated measures (NIHSS, GOS) to evaluate recovery and functional status in ischemic stroke patients than the naloxone clinical trials. There was less bias in the nalmefene clinical trials. Animal and in vitro studies have showed promising results. Additional research should be conducted with new clinical trials of both drugs with larger samples in patients less than 70 years old and moderate to severe infarcts.

Endoparasites observed within invertebrates used as live food items for captive wild birds: Overview and potential risks.

To monitor and evaluate potential risks to birds' health, invertebrate species that have been used as live food items had their body contents searched for endoparasites. The contents of approximately 10,000 invertebrates were analyzed. A principal component analysis was performed to study the relationship between the presence/absence of endoparasites and the characteristics of the invertebrates. In most of them, including the species preferred by birds such as caterpillars, waxworms, mealworms, most grasshoppers, and spiders, no organism was identified. Such findings suggest a low potential for parasite transmission associated with its consumption by birds. Although they had unknown or even unlikely implications for the birds' health, gregarines, oxyurides Leidynema sp., and digenetic trematodes Monolecithotrema sp. were found in samples from woodlice, cockroaches, and centipedes, respectively. The only avian parasites observed in this study were Heterakis gallinarum in samples from earthworms and Acuaria spiralis from woodlice. Suggestively, soil invertebrates showed a higher prevalence of endoparasites and may represent a higher potential risk in comparison to the other categories of invertebrates sampled herein. Detritivory and collected origin were also explanatory variables related to the presence of endoparasites in the current study.

Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015 / Perdas registradas em um plantel de aves silvestres criadas em cativeiro, entre 2011 e 2015

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flock’s performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

RESUMO: Este estudo discute as causas de morte de aves registradas em um pequeno criadouro de umas poucas espécies de aves silvestres exóticas. As mortes de 28 aves foram examinadas em um período de cinco anos. Cerca de 40% dos casos ocorreram na primeira semana de vida de filhotes das duas espécies mais numerosas no plantel e essas perdas foram consequentes à desnutrição por falhas no manejo nutricional. Outros 28% de casos ocorreram em aves, recentemente introduzidas, ou em fase de adaptação, no criadouro. Ainda que as aves do plantel sejam frequentemente dosificadas com anti-helmínticos, 21% das mortes no plantel foram secundárias a doenças parasitárias; a maioria afetou aves recentemente adquiridas. Exceto por três mortes que foram associadas com desordens atribuídas à idade avançada, todas as demais foram associadas com inadequações no manejo das aves. Esses resultados sugerem que, em sistemas dessa natureza, as aves recém-nascidas e as recém-introduzidas são categorias críticas que demandam concentração de esforços para o atendimento sistemático de suas necessidades. Tais dados podem ser aplicáveis em iniciativas de conservação de outras espécies e podem justificar, ainda que parcialmente, a manutenção desses animais, em cativeiro.

Interdisciplinaridade e formação na área de saúde coletiva / Interdisciplinarity and training in the collective health area / Interdisciplinaridad y formación en el área de salud colectiva

Resumo O artigo apresenta os resultados da pesquisa que objetivou discutir a potencialidade da práxis e conceitos de saúde pública/coletiva envolvendo profissionais e saberes na construção do conhecimento em saúde no ambiente escolar. O estudo foi desenvolvido durante o ano letivo de 2012 em uma escola pública, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, com a participação de professores, alunos de ensino médio e estagiários de licenciatura. A metodologia utilizada de pesquisa-ação supõe uma ação coletiva orientada em função da re-solução de problemas, identificados a partir de um diagnóstico da situação elaborado pelos participantes. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio de perguntas dirigidas aos professores e estagiários, e de uma redação direcionada aos alunos. Os resultados obtidos dos professores revelam que a saúde pública é compreendida como dever do Estado na prestação de serviços de prevenção e assistência à saúde. Já a saúde coletiva é associada ao bem-estar físico, mental e social da população. Tanto os professores como os estagiários, que já participaram de projetos interdisciplinares, reconhecem a experiência como positiva. Os alunos reconheceram que a educação é priorizada em relação às condições físicas e sanitárias da escola, mas identificaram em tais condições fatores de risco ao aprendizado e, consequentemente, à saúde e à qualidade de vida.

Abstract This article presents and discusses the results of research that discusses the potentiality of the praxis and public/collective health involving professionals and knowledge in the construction of knowledge in health in the school environment. The study was conducted during the 2012 school year in a public school in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the participation of teachers, high school students, and undergraduate interns. The research action methodology involves collective action guided based on the resolution of problems identified from a diagnosis of the situation prepared by the participants. The diagnosis was made through questions made to the teachers and trainees, and an essay directed to students. The results obtained from teachers reveal that public health is understood as a duty of the State in the provision of prevention and health care services. Collective health, meanwhile, is associated with the population's physical, mental, and social well-being. Both professors and trainees, who have participated in interdisciplinary projects, recognize the experience as positive. Students recognized that education is prioritized in relation to the school's physical and sanitary conditions, but identified in such conditions risk factors for learning and, consequently, health and quality of life.

Resumen El artículo presenta y discute los resultados de la investigación que buscó discutir la potencialidad de la praxis y conceptos de salud pública/colectiva involucrando profesionales y saberes en la construcción del conocimiento en salud, en el ambiente escolar. El estudio se desarrolló durante el período lectivo de 2012 en una escuela pública, en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, con la participación de profesores, alumnos de la enseñanza media y pasantes del curso de licenciatura. La metodología utilizada de investigación-acción supone una acción colectiva en función de la resolución de problemas, identificados a partir de un diagnóstico de la situación elaborado por los participantes. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante preguntas dirigidas a los profesores y pasantes, y de una redacción dirigida a los alumnos. Los resultados obtenidos de los profesores revelan que la salud pública se comprende como deber del Estado en la prestación de servicios de prevención y asistencia a la salud. Ya la salud colectiva se asocia al bienestar físico, mental y social de la población. Tanto los profesores como los pasantes, que ya participaron en proyectos interdisciplinarios, reconocen la experiencia como positiva. Los alumnos reconocieron que la educación es priorizada con relación a las condiciones físicas y sanitarias de la escuela, pero identificaron en tales condiciones factores de riesgo para el aprendizaje y, en consecuencia, para la salud y la calidad de vida.

Fatal systemic toxoplasmosis in Valley quail (Callipepla californica).

An adult, captive raised male Valley quail (Callipepla californica) acquired by a southern Brazilian aviary suddenly showed severe apathy, dyspnea and diarrhea, and died 18 hours after the onset of illness. At necropsy, pale muscles and whitish areas in the heart, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and consolidated red lungs were observed. Histological findings were mainly mononuclear inflammation with necrosis of liver, heart, spleen, bone marrow and lung. There were large numbers of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoitesorganisms in the liver, heart, spleen, bone marrow, lungs, trachea, kidneys, adrenal glands, testes, intestines, and pancreas. These organisms were seen free in the organs' stroma or within macrophages and stained positively with polyclonal antiserum to T. gondii. Genomic DNA was extracted from the tissues and PCR was used to target the B1 gene of T. gondii. The genotypic characterization by PCR-RFLP with 11 markers (SAG1, SAG2 and alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3) revealed the ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #87 genotype, the same as previously identified in a backyard chicken (TgCkBr156) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Osteomyelitis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar derby in boa constrictor.

After demonstrating chronic weight loss, prostration, and muscle flaccidness, a captive-bred 9-mo-old boa constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor) died and was submitted for necropsy. Along the spinal column there were multiple, yellowish white, macroscopic nodules of 1-5 mm in diameter in the ventral side of the vertebral body and in the intervertebral spaces. Severe multifocal necrotizing osteomyelitis associated with granulomatous inflammation was the main histologic finding in the vertebral column. In the liver, there was discrete but similar granulomatous changes. Positive anti-Salmonella immunostaining was observed in the spinal column and in the liver. Salmonella enterica serovar Derby was isolated from fragments of the spinal column. These bacteria are important cause of disease in captive reptiles.

Food safety in raw milk production: risk factors associated to bacterial DNA contamination.

While human illness from milkborne pathogens may be linked to contamination of the product after pasteurization or improper pasteurization, such diseases are usually associated with consumption of raw milk or its by-products. Molecular biology tools were applied to investigate contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., some pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni in 548 raw milk samples from 125 dairy farms established in two regions from southern Brazil. Moreover, 15 variables were evaluated for their association with raw milk contamination levels, and the risk factors were determined by multiple regression analysis. Salmonella spp. were more frequently detected, followed by pathogenic E. coli. There was difference in contamination index between the regions, in which risk factors such as temporary cattle confinement, low milk production, low milking machine cleaning frequency, and milk storage area without tile walls were identified. The risk factors were specific to each region studied. Nevertheless, the data can be used to improve milk quality of dairy farms/herds with similar management practices.

Escherichia coli O157 in ground beef from local retail markets in Pachuca, Mexico.

Escherichia coli O157 strains have been recognized as pathogenic bacteria, of which raw beef is a known vehicle. An evaluation was done of the presence of E. coli O157 in ground beef from local retail markets in Pachuca, Hidalgo State, Mexico. A total of 120 ground beef samples (500 g) were tested for E. coli O157 by simultaneous application of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)'s Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook culture procedure 5.05, and two commercial kits, Reveal for E. coli O157:H7 and Visual Immunoprecipitate Assay (VIP) Gold for enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Two incubation times (8 and 20 h) were used with the commercial kits. Presence of stx1, stx2, and eaeA loci was determined by multiplex PCR. Of 360 subsamples (120 per procedure), 12 samples were found to be E. coli O157 positive by the FSIS culture method. With VIP, 73 subsamples were presumptive positive after 8 h of enrichment, and 60 were presumptive positive after 20 h of enrichment. Of these, only 6 (8 h) and 8 (20 h) subsamples were confirmed true positives with the FSIS method. With Reveal, 60 subsamples were presumptive positive after 8 h of enrichment and 50 were presumptive positive after 20 h of enrichment. Of these, only 6 (8 h) and 8 (20 h) subsamples were confirmed as true positives with the FSIS method. A total of 57 E. coli O157:H7 and 21 E. coli O157 strains were isolated. None of the O157 or O157:H7 strains had stx1 or stx2 loci, and only one had the eaeA locus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of E. coli O157 in commercial ground beef from Mexico, and the first report of isolation of a large number of stx-negative E. coli O157 and E. coli O157:H7 strains in Mexico.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor as a cause of chronic cardiac insufficiency in cattle.

Chronic cardiac insufficiency was associated with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a cow. An eight-year-old cow developed a progressive condition (over a period of three months) characterized by an enhanced abdominal volume, reluctance to move, a positive jugular pulse, watery diarrhea and death. At necropsy, moderate subcutaneous edema and an enhanced hepatic lobular pattern were observed. A 23x20x11 cm firm, grayish-white mass adhered to and infiltrated the right atrium. Multiple firm, yellowish-white nodules of 0.5 to 12 cm in diameter were diffusely scattered in the epicardium and parietal pericardium. Histologically, the tumor was poorly circumscribed with foci of infiltration of the myocardium. The neoplastic cells had two major histologic patterns, Antoni types A and B. Within occasional foci, pleomorphic cells with an epithelioid appearance were present in addition to multinucleated cells with periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasmic globules. Foci of cartilaginous and granular differentiations were interspersed among the neoplastic cells. Multiple vessels presented wall hyalinization and tumoral embolus. Large necrotic foci with mineralization and cholesterol clefts were also observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for S100 protein, vimentin and neuron-specific enolase labeling.

An outbreak of aflatoxin poisoning in dogs associated with aflatoxin B1-contaminated maize products.

An aflatoxicosis outbreak affected 65 dogs from 9 different farms after they were fed diets with cooked corn meal as a common ingredient. Of the dogs, 60 died. Numerous dogs died on additional farms, but those dogs were not included in the study. The farmers acquired the contaminated maize products, in the form of whole corn grain or as corn meal, from the same supplier. The corn product was mixed with meat that was left over from home or commercial rations to form corn polenta, which was fed to the dogs. Necropsy was performed on 3 dogs. Two of the dogs died after a few days of refusing food, showing anorexia, polydipsia, icteric mucous membranes, hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena, and bleeding of the skin, eye, ear, and mouth. The primary necropsy findings included jaundice, hemorrhages in several organs, and yellowish enlarged liver with enhanced lobular pattern. The dog that experienced chronic ascites had a yellowish liver with reduced volume, irregular surface, and increased consistency. The main histological findings included hepatocyte fatty degeneration, biliary duct hyperplasia, cholestasis and, in the chronic case, hepatic fibrosis. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the corn meal from 2 affected farms revealed 1,640 ppb and 1,770 ppb of aflatoxin B1, respectively. The current study demonstrates an additional way that dogs can be exposed to, poisoned, and killed by aflatoxin.

Decreased expression of cardiac troponin C is associated with cardiac lesions in Amorimia exotropica poisoned cattle / Expressão diminuída de troponina cardíaca C associada com lesões cardíacas em bovinos intoxicados por Amorimia exotropica

The plants which cause sudden death of cattle in Brazil occupy a leading position for losses in the cattle industry. Amorimia exotropica is one of the plants pertaining to this group. Diagnostic findings in these cases may be inconclusive; further knowledge is necessary. This paper identifies cardiac lesions through anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunehistochemistry performed in tissues from cattle poisoned after consumption of A.exotropica in southern Brazil. Heart fragments from nine A. exotropica-poisoned cattle were studied immunohistochemically using anti-human cTnC as the primary antibody. In the hearts from all of the poisoned cattle, there was a sharp decrease in the cTnC expression level in the cytoplasm of groups of cardiomyocytes. A significant decrease in anti-cTnC immunoreactivity occurred particularly in degenerated or necrotic cardiomyocytes. Occasional groups of cells showed complete loss of immunolabeling. In the remaining intact cardiomyocytes from poisoned cattle and in cardiomyocytes from six cattle that died from other causes there was intense cytoplasmic staining.

No Brasil, plantas cujo consumo determina morte súbita de bovinos estão entre as principais causas de perdas na pecuária. Esse trabalho identifica lesões cardíacas através de imuno-histoquímica antitroponina cardíaca C (TncC), desenvolvida em tecidos de bovinos intoxicados após consumo de Amorimia exotropica, no sul do Brasil. Fragmentos cardíacos de nove bovinos intoxicados, naturalmente, por Amorimia exotropica foram examinados por imuno-histoquímica anti-TncC, como anticorpo primário. Nos corações de todos os bovinos intoxicados pela planta, havia pronunciada diminuição dos níveis de expressão de TncC no citoplasma de grupos de cardiomiócitos. Diminuição significativa na imunorreatividade anti-TncC ocorreu, particularmente, em cardiomiócitos degenerados ou necróticos. Grupos ocasionais de células mostraram completa perda de imunomarcação. Em cardiomiócitos remanescentes e intactos de bovinos intoxicados e em cardiomiócitos de seis bovinos que morreram por outras causas, observou-se intensa coloração citoplasmática.

Sheep production as a Senecio spp. control tool / Ovinocultura, ferramenta de controle de Senecio spp

Since poisoning by Senecio spp. is one of the main causes of cattle death in southern Brazil, control of these plants is a priority for the local livestock production. After the pasture has been mowed, grazing by 16 sheep was efficient for controlling Senecio brasiliensis and Senecio madagascariensis populations in a 5.5-hectare area that had long been severely infested with these species. A total of 28,629 plants among S. brasiliensis (flower-of-souls, 10,122) and S.madagascariensis (fireweed, 18,507) were almost completely eliminated in a two-year period. The number of sheep was kept at 3.0 stock units/ha, but a variable number of cattle were temporarily stocked according to pasture availability. The major sanitary practice applied to the sheep was anthelmintic administration. Liver biopsies taken from sheep and cattle before and after experimental period didn't reveal any change associable with seneciosis. The performance levels of the sheep were comparable to those observed in flocks managed under traditional extensive grazing systems in southern Brazil.

As intoxicações por Senecio spp. estão entre as principais causas de morte de bovinos no sul do Brasil; portanto, o controle dessas plantas é prioridade para a pecuária local. Depois de uma roçada, o pastejo por 16 ovinos controlou, eficientemente, populações de Senecio brasiliensis e Senecio madagascariensis em uma área de 5,5 hectares, a qual havia se mantido, por oito anos consecutivos, severamente, infestada por essas espécies. Um total de 28.629 plantas, entre S. brasiliensis (10.122) e S.madagascariensis (18.507) foi, virtualmente, eliminado em um período de dois anos. O número de ovelhas foi mantido em três unidades /hectare, mas variáveis lotações de bovinos foram associadas com a disponibilidade de forragem. As principais práticas de manejo sanitário aplicadas aos ovinos foram administrações de anti-helmínticos. Biópsias hepáticas, colhidas antes e após o período de estudo, não revelaram qualquer alteração associável com seneciose. Os níveis de desempenho dos ovinos foram comparáveis aos observados em rebanhos manejados em sistemas extensivos tradicionais no sul do Brasil.